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Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase catalyzes the rate-determining step in the pentose phosphate pathway. Its activity is a key determinant of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate to oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH-to-NADP⁺) ratio in the cytoplasm and thus contributes to the replenishment of the antioxidant glutathione system. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a common X-linked human enzyme defect of red blood cells. Individuals with this gene defect appear normal until exposed to oxidative stress which induces haemolysis but it is infrequently taken into consideration in health practices.

Aim: The present work was designed to determine the frequency of occurrence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency among Hausa and Fulani ethnics.

Material and methods: Cross-sectional comparative study in which 5 mL of venous blood samples were collected from 1000 individuals (596 males and 404 females) all of whom gave informed consent were screened for G-6-PD-deficiency by qualitative methaemoglobin reduction and quantitative enzyme activity measurement techniques.

Results: Glucose-6-phoshate dehydrogenase deficiency was found in 194 (19.4%) of participants studied. Of these 10.3% were Fulani and 22.2% were Hausa with mean G-6-PD enzyme activity of 2.5 IU/gHb in a range from 1.4 to 2.4 IU/gHb. G-6-PD deficiency was found in 121 of 596 (20.3%) males and 73 of 404 (18.1%) females screened.

Conclusions: These results suggest high occurrence of phenotypic G-6-PD deficiency in Hausa ethnics of Kano with lower enzyme status among males living with G-6-PD deficiency.