Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder, and in the United States, it affects approximately 300,000 infants annually, with 1 in 365 African Americans being impacted by this genetic condition, which disproportionately affects the African American population compared to other ethnic groups.
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is one of the most severe forms of SCD. In contrast, sickle cell trait (SCT) is not a disease, and individuals with SCT typically enjoy normal lifespans with no health issues. SCT is prevalent in approximately 1 in every 13 African American babies, which is roughly 8 percent, whereas it occurs in only 1 in 333 white babies, or 0.3 percent. This disparity is attributed to genetic evolution.
Research has revealed that having SCT offers some protection against the severity of malaria. When the malaria parasite enters the body, it infects red blood cells (RBCs). Individuals with SCT have a mix of normal RBCs and some sickle-shaped RBCs. These sickle-shaped RBCs, present in individuals with SCT, create an inhospitable environment for the parasite's growth, partially due to lower oxygen levels. This decreased parasite growth may provide more time for the immune system to respond and eliminate the infected RBCs.
SCT is found in more than 100 million people worldwide and is more prevalent in regions where malaria is or was common. It can also affect individuals of Hispanic, South Asian, Caucasian (particularly from southern Europe), and Middle Eastern descent.
