Frequency Distribution of Haptoglobin Polymorphism, Sickle Cell Hemoglobin and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency among Three Population Groups of Western India

Frequency distribution of certain clinically important markers like Haptoglobin polymorphism, Sickle cell Haemoglobin and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency is expected to be inter-dependent by virtue of their function in spite of their independence with respect to their location on different chromosomes. This is likely to be reflected in their frequency distribution, especially in endogamous communities where malaria is endemic. Thus, the focus of the present study is to understand the dynamics of the frequency distribution and variation among three endogamous population groups of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Warli and Dhodias (tribal group) and Rajput (caste group) with respect to three genetic markers, Haptoglobin polymorphism, Sickle cell Haemoglobin and G6PD deficiency. A statistical significant difference was observed between the tribal groups and the caste group (p < 0.05) with respect to mainly Haptoglobin polymorphism and Sickle cell Haemoglobin despite of their close geographical proximity. Also, an association between Haptoglobin polymorphism and Sickle cell Haemoglobin observed only among Dhodias, with its very small population size and strict endogamy compared to other groups, hints towards community specific propagation of a gene/allele.