Spectrum of alpha-globin gene mutations among premarital Baluch couples in southeastern Iran

BACKGROUND Alpha thalassemia (α-thal) is one of the most common hemoglobinopathies worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the spectrum of α-thal mutations among premarital Baluch couples in southeastern Iran. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We assessed 1215 individuals by multiplex gap polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR). RESULTS Of the 1215 participants with mean age of 23±5.7 years, 62.3% lived in urban areas, and the rate of consanguineous marriage was 68.1%. Five mutations were identified, the most frequent one was -α (3.7) (rightward) with a frequency of 76.5%, followed by α (-5 nt) (16.8%), α2/ Codon 19(-G) (4%), -α (4.2) (leftward)(2.4%), - -MED (0.3%) among mutated alleles of the α -globin gene. Conclusion : Knowing the alpha-genotype is helpful for genetic counseling, microcytic anemia discrimination and hemoglobinopathy prevention.