Department of Biology, Masuku University of Science and Technology, Franceville, Gabon
Research
Neonatal screening of Sickle Cell Disease in Gabon: a nationwide study
Author(s): Lucrece M Delicat-Loembet*, Jérome Mezui-me-ndong, Thelesfort Mbang Mboro, Lucas Sicas, Maurille Feudjo, Ulrich Bisvigou, Jean Koko, Rolande Ducrocq and Jean-Paul Gonzalez
Gabon is a country in Central Africa with about 2.5 million inhabitants; it is one of the most under populated
countries in the world. Its location on the equatorial plane and its tropical climate makes a favorable environment
for the development of sickle cell disease. There are about 21% of people living with sickle cell trait throughout the
country. Given the number of inhabitants, this percentage is worrying as it could lead to the birth of children sickle
cell disease. This study aims at assessing the rate of births affected by sickle cell disease in Gabon, maintaining and
expanding the routine neonatal screening program for the management of sickle cell disease, and controlling sickle
cell disease at a national level. A total of 3,957 blood samples were collected on Guthrie paper between January
2007 and September 2010. Abnormal hemoglobin presence was detec.. View more»