Prevalence of Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Aligarh, India: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme in erythrocytes is among the prevalent X-linked recessive genetic disorders and affects approximately 400 million people across the globe. It causes neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, also hemolysis eventually leading to hemolytic anemia when exposed to oxidative stress. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to find out the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Aligarh (Western Uttar Pradesh) India. Materials and Methods: The data and samples were collected from a total of 106 individuals. All the required information were recorded in a standardized questionnaire, blood was taken with their prior consent. Blood typing test and fluorescent spot test (FST) were performed, spots were arranged accordingly and observed. Results: Out of total 106 individuals surveyed, 10% of them were found to be deficient for G6PD enzyme, 5% were intermediate, and 85% were normal. Significant association was found for G6PD deficiency and gender (P < 0.05) of the individuals while non-significant association were reported for G6PD deficiency and consanguinity (P < 0.8) and for G6PD deficiency and blood groups (P < 0.9). Conclusion: FST is a good method for G6PD screening and detecting the deficiency in fields. This pilot study highlights the prevalence of G6PD enzymopathy in Aligarh and will help government programs of this area to prevent and control the genetic disorder