Sickle cell anaemia may afflict Cholanaickan tribals / Science and Technology

Cholanaickans, the semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer tribal community of Kerala, may fall prey to sickle cell disease in near future. A multi-disciplinary study carried out by a group of scientists who screened the tribals for signs of sickle cell anaemia concluded that currently the tribes were out of danger but could be exposed to the incurable disease. Inter-marriages, which are common among Kattunaickans and Cholanaickans, can be a causative factor for more incidences of the sickle cell anaemia within this dwindling population in the near future. The “limited number of individuals in the community and consequent high occurrence of consanguineous marriages may lead to a serious situation which demands awareness creation and regular health monitoring,” they cautioned. Researchers had earlier confirmed a few full-blown cases of the disease in Kattunayikkar children. Inter-marriages with this population could lead to the spread of the disease in Cholanaickans too, warned scientists. The research group consisting of T.B. Suma and V. Anitha of the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Thrissur and Dr. M. Feroze of the Pathology Department of Medical College, Kozhikode, arrived at the conclusion. During the study, 33 random blood samples were collected by a medical team from the Government Medical College, Kozhikode, as part of the All India Sickle Cell Anaemia Screening Programme. The DNA-based molecular diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia could identify a carrier in the community, said Dr. Suma. As the identified person is of 70 years of age and unmarried, there is least chance for the transfer of this mutant beta globin allele to the next generation. Till now, sickle cell disease has not been reported from the particularly vulnerable Cholanaickan community. The sickle cell anaemia leads to chronic anaemia with an extremely low haemoglobin concentration. In children below 7 years, severe anaemia along with rapid spleen enlargement can occur. It can also lead to acute chest syndrome and other problems. The population of Cholanaickans, particularly vulnerable tribal group, is estimated to be dwindling. The 2011 census has put their population to 124 members. Latest survey statistics project a poor demographic profile with low female population, indicative of poor health status.