The Genetics and Prevalance of β Thalessemia

Thalassemia is a disorder of haemoglobin synthesis which is characterized by the absence or reduced synthesis of globin chains. Most frequently, this disorder is found in the malarial, tropical and sub-tropical regions of Mediterranean countries, the Middle East, Transcaucasus, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent (South Asia) and Southeast Asia. The two main types of thalassemia are α and β-thalassemia. β-thalassemia a common genetic disorder caused by mutations in one or more of the β-globin gene loci that result in reduced β-globin production. Recently, more than 200 different mutations have been detected affecting the diverse levels of β -globin gene expression and cause β-thalassaemia. This book explores the different mutations causing β thalassemia and the geographical distribution and racial origin.