Prevalence of hemoglobin S in Wadi Eshati Region – South Libya

This study is an attempt to evaluate the prevalence of hemoglobin S in Wadi Eshati Region. The study group was composed of 2095 persons (984 males and 1111 females) between 2 and 85 years old were selected randomly from 16 towns and villages in Wadi Eshati Region, South of Libya who attended either Primary Health Care Unites, Brack Central Hospital, and from some primary and secondary schools in the region. All participants were subjected to complete blood count and screened for sickle cell anemia by sickling test, solubility test. Iso-Electric Focusing (IEF) tests were conducted on all positive sickling and solubility tests. The prevalence of sickle cells in this region (4.15%) which is almost similar to those of other studies carried out in other regions in Libya, moreover, we observed that the prevalence of HbAS (2.53%) and Hb SS (0.14%) among females was higher in compare to males, (1.43% and 0.05% respectively). A systematic neonatal screening programme for this disorders and all other abnormal hemoglobin, seems reasonable for early diagnosis and management.