Identification of Hb Q-India (α64 Asp → His) in Thailand

Abstract

More than 30 different hemoglobin variants either affecting α or β globin chains have been identified in Thailand. The large variety in the different forms of hemoglobinopathy contributes to several complicated interactions, since different types of defective globin alleles are prevalent in Thailand and nearly 30-40% of the population are carriers of either α or β thalassemia (thal). Many rare and novel abnormal globin variants in Thai subjects have been identified in our laboratory within the past few years; including Hb Lepore-Hollandia, homozygous Hb Tak, Hb Dhonburi, Hb G-Makassar, Hb G-Coushatta, Hb New York, Hb Paksè and Hb Pak Num Po. In addition to these, here we report, for the first time, the identification of Hb Q-India, an innocuous α globin variant, in a Thai family with Indian ancestry. This report highlights the complexity associated with identifying unknown globin variants within a population that has a heterogeneous repertoire of globin chain disorders. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.