Screening of hemoglobins S and C and the influence of social conditions in their distribution: a study in four quilombola communities, Tocantins state

Abstract

This research performed the screening of S and C hemoglobins and a social profile study of four Quilombola communities. The study was performed at the communities of Malhadinha, Córrego Fundo, Curralinho do Pontal and Manoel João Quilombola, located in the Brejinho de Nazaré municipality, Tocantins state, Brazil. The hemoglobin profile was obtained by screening on 167 blood samples using the electrophoresis in alkaline pH (pH 8.6) test. Chemically altered hemoglobin was subject to electrophoresis in acid pH (pH 6.2) to confirm the diagnosis. We identified 11 samples (6.6%) with hemoglobin changes, eight (4.8%) had sickle cell trait and three were C hemoglobin (1.8%). Social data was obtained by interviews conducted with members of 48families, raising information such as family income, age, gender and occupational activity. Our results showed that these communities are formed predominantly by adults and elderly people with monthly revenue higher than the minimum wage, accounting for 50% of the interviewed families. Although the percentage of hemoglobin S and C found in all the communities are within the values observed within the various regions of Brazil, the absence of information about the disease and social aspects may increase the number of people with sickle cell disease in the municipality and surrounding areas.