| Summary: | Genetic screening for D-thalassemia trait was carried out in Ambon population of the Moluccas, a population genetically related with other eastern Indonesian populations with strong Melanesian influence where HbE gene frequency is very low. Blood specimens were collected from 92 adult healthy unrelated individuals consists of 32 males and 60 females mostly student nurses participated in the study.
Three blood indices, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and MCHC were normal. However, increase of HbA2 concentration was observed in six individuals (6.5%). Unlike the previous study, not even single individual with abnormally structural hemoglobin was found in this study. The occurrence of carrier of this genetic traits comparable with previous studies in Java, again confirms the interaction of 13-thalassemia and HbE distribution in malaria endemic region.
Further measures include premarital genetic counseling should be considered to avoid public health problem that may be created in the future.
Key words : genetic screening, B-thalassemia trait, malaria endemic, premarital genetic counseling
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