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What is classification of Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is classified mainly into two types: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia, based on which globin chain is affected. Alpha thalassemia occurs due to mutations in the alpha-globin genes, while beta thalassemia results from mutations in the beta-globin genes. Each type can further be categorized into various subtypes based on the severity of the condition, such as thalassemia minor (trait) and thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia). The classification helps determine the appropriate management and treatment strategies for affected individuals.
Can a man pass thalassemia to offspring?
Yes, a man can pass thalassemia to his offspring if he carries a gene for the disorder. Thalassemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a child must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to be affected. If the man has one copy of the thalassemia gene, he can pass it to his child, who may then be a carrier or affected if the other parent also carries the gene.
Can Thalassemia prevent Malaria?
Thalassemia itself does not prevent malaria, but individuals with thalassemia trait or certain forms of thalassemia may have a degree of protection against severe malaria due to the altered shape and function of their red blood cells. This change can make it more difficult for the malaria parasite to survive and reproduce. Consequently, while thalassemia does not prevent malaria infection, it can potentially reduce the severity of the disease in affected individuals.
Is thalassemia a sex linked gene?
No, thalassemia is not a sex-linked genetic disorder; it is an autosomal recessive condition. This means that it is caused by mutations in genes located on non-sex chromosomes, specifically the alpha or beta globin genes. Both males and females can be carriers and affected by thalassemia equally, regardless of their sex.
Are there other names for Thalassemia disease?
Alpha thalassemia silent carrierAlpha thalassemia minor, also called alpha thalassemia traitHemoglobin H diseaseAlpha thalassemia major, also called hydrops fetalisBeta thalassemia minor, also called beta thalassemia traitBeta thalassemia intermediaBeta thalassemia major, also called Cooley's anemia or beta-zero (ß0) thalassemiaBeta-plus (ß+) thalassemiaMediterranean anemia
Can thalassemia develop at the age of 20 years?
Very unlikely. Thalassemia is an inherited disease, affected persons are born with the genetic disorders. However, silent carriers (Alpha Thalassemia, 1 gene defect) or Beta Thalassemia Trait (1 gene defect), do not have significiant symptoms. Consequently, if this person did not have any relevant blood tests till the age of 20, he/she might no be aware of having the condition. That's only a hypothetical suggestion.
Is thalassemia a type of cancer?
Thalassemia is an autosmal recessive blood disease. That means that it is an inherited disease. Thalassemia in more common in Mediteranian people.
What chromosome is thalassemia carried on?
Thalassemia is carried on chromosome 11 and chromosome 16, depending on the type. The alpha-thalassemia gene is located on chromosome 16, while the beta-thalassemia gene is found on chromosome 11. Mutations in these genes affect the production of hemoglobin, leading to the various forms of thalassemia.
Can minor thalassemia carrier and alpha marry?
Yes, A "carrier" of alpha thalassemia and of beta thalassemia can marry, but not to someone with any hemoglobinopathy. Prof. Kornfeld Pal
What is the percentage or ratio of the population suffering from thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin production, and its prevalence varies significantly by region. Globally, it is estimated that around 4.5% of the population carries the thalassemia trait, while approximately 1 in 100,000 individuals are affected by severe forms of the disease. In certain areas, particularly in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Southeast Asia, the carrier rate can be as high as 10-15%.
Can mild thalassemia be a major thalassemia?
No. A minor form of the blood disorder thalassemia is when you inherited just one beta thalassemia gene, along with a normal beta-chain gene. This manifests as mild anaemia with a slight lowering of the hemoglobin level in the blood. No treatment is require. By contrast, a thalassemia major, also known as Cooley's Disease, is when one is born with two genes for beta thalassemia and no normal beta-chain gene. This is a serious disorder.
Who found alpha thalassemia?
Alpha thalassemia was first identified in the 1950s by a group of researchers, including Dr. Thomas C. Chiu and Dr. William A. C. Wong, who studied the genetic basis of the disorder in affected families. The condition is linked to mutations in the HBA1 and HBA2 genes that affect hemoglobin production. While no single individual is credited with "discovering" alpha thalassemia, it was through collaborative research in the field of hematology and genetics that the condition was characterized and understood.
