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Hemoglobin variations on a small bahamian island
Author(s) -
Halberstein R. A.,
Davies J. E.,
Mack A. K.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.1330550209
Subject(s) - hemoglobin , geography , medicine
Hemoglobin characteristics were investigated in 492 blood specimens collected in a small island community (1,450 inhabitants) in the Bahamas. Using two different methods, abnormal variants were detected in 20.3% of the sample, including genotypes AS, AC, AF(A/HPFH), SC, and SF. Biodemographic evidence suggests that the origin and distribution of the hemoglobinpathies in this population have been influenced by historical migrations and genetic drift. The opportunity for drift has been particularly heightened by the “founder effect,” the maintenance of small population size, a relatively endogamous mating structure, and restricted immigration. Health survey results reveal a wide discrepancy between the actual prevalence of abnormal hemoglobins and that indicated by informant reports.