Reddy, P. Hemachandra; (1994) Haemoglobin disorders among the tribal population "the Baiga" of Madhya Pradesh, India. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

In this study the prevalence and molecular nature of hereditary anaemias were studied in a primitive Central Indian tribe, the Baiga, in relation to socio-cultural, and environmental aspects and population structure. The entire population of 17 small villages was studied. "Normal red cell values" were defined, and 43% of the population appear to be iron deficient. Hereditary anaemia gene frequencies are, sickle cell 0.0824, G6PD deficiency (in males) 0.0457, B-thalassaemia 0.0057, and deletional a-plus thalassaemia 0.065. Both −3.7 and −4.2 deletions were observed and non-deletional α-thalassaemia was suspected. The overall gene frequencies of Xmn I polymorphism (C→T -158 cap site; upstream of G gamma region) were 0.65 for − site 0.35 for + site and preferentially linked to βs genes. A theoretical basis has been established for mild sickle cell anaemia: high frequency of α-thalassaemia and the Xmn I + polymorphism, leading to a wide range of genotypes of different grades of severity. However, in the tribal environment there is a high early mortality among SS individuals and surviving SS individuals have low genetic fitness of SS compared to AA or AS. Higher fertility of ASxAA parents and lower mortality among their offspring suggest AS offspring continue to have a selective advantage against falciparum malaria. 34% of marriages were consanguineous. The figures suggest pre-reproductive mortality (up to 20 years) is higher among the offspring of consanguineous than of non-consanguineous couples. However, the difference was compensated by excess births related to a longer reproductive span among consanguineous couples. Viral markers for hepatitis B and C were studied. Tattooing, usual among the Baiga females had no observable effect on the prevalence of hepatitis. Methods developed in this study may be adapted to other tribal groups in India and elsewhere.

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