Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase phenotypes in Jamaica - abstract

ABSTRACT

The incidence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was assessed in 315 individuals (212 females, 103 males) using a screening test (Sass et al, 1966) and, where necessary, assay for enzyme activity described by bishopý (1966). This was 13.7 percent (12.7 percent in females and 15.5 percent in males). G6PD phenotype frequency was calculated after electrophoresis on collegel at room temperature. In 187 females (Gd+), B was 0.5454; Gd(+), AB 0.2139; Gd(+), A 0.1230; Gd(+), B, A- 0.0749; and Gd(-) A- 0.0428, and the frequencies in 89 males Gd(+), B 0.6517; Gd(+), A0.2022; Gd(-), A- 0.1348; and Gd(-), B-0.0112. These frequencies differ slightly from those reported for Nigerians and American Negroes. The mean activity of G6PD A+ was 24.3 units (range, 19-32 units), and of G6PD B+, 26.3 units (range, 20-37 units), in 18 and 57 males respectively. No association between Hbs S and C and any G6PD phenotype was demonstrable (AU)