| Popis: |
The gene that concerns us most in Nigeria is the sickle cell (S) gene, which causes sickle cell anaemia (SCA), also known as sickle cell disease (SCD). SCA is the most common hereditary disorder in the world (WHO 1994), and is caused by the inheritance of a mutant sickle haemoglobin (HbS) from each parent. Its incidence is highest in sub-Saharan Africa (Livingstone 1967), from where the gene has spread by migration to Europe and especially the Americas. To the title of this volume — Culture, Kinship and Genes — I would like to add Geography, as it is the geographical endowment of sub-Saharan Africa — hot, lush and humid — which has favoured the survival and growth of the gene among the indigenous population. |
