Author(s)

Brah Moustapha Maman^1,2*, Amadou Djibrilla-Almoustapha³, Moustapha Elhadji-Chefou⁴, Illa Hamidine^1,2, Moussa Diongolé Hassane^1,2, Badé Malam-Abdou³

¹Department of Medicine, Université André Salifou de Zinder, Zinder, Niger.
²Department of Medicine, Hôpital National de Zinder, Zinder, Niger.
³Department of Medicine, Université Abdou Moumouni de Niamey, Niamey, Niger.
⁴Department of Medicine, Université Dan Dicko Dan Koulodo de Maradi, Maradi, Niger.

Introduction: In view of the number of sickle cell patients and due to a low production of descriptive studies, we decided to determine the prevalence of genes S and C of the disease in the Zinder region. The objective was to contribute to improving the management of sickle cell disease in Zinder. Methodology: This was a systematic screening by the “Sickle Scan” test of any blood donor admitted to the Zinder Regional Blood Transfusion Center during the 6-month study period, from January to June 2023. The Sickle Scan is a qualitative lateral flow chromatography immunoassay using whole blood samples that aid in the rapid diagnosis of sickle cell disease. Results: The study was carried out on 613 samples during the period concerned. The frequency of sickle cell genes was 26.9% (n = 165) in all samples collected, with 23.1% (n = 142) and 3.8% (n = 23) for the S gene and the C gene, respectively. The 18 - 30 age group was the most represented with 64.4% (n = 395) cases. The median age of blood donors was 26 years ± 10 years (min = 18 years/max = 60 years). The sex ratio was 2.5. Donors of Nigerien nationality accounted for 84.1% (n = 516). There is a predominance of blood donors with an average monthly income between 34,000 and 70,000 CFA francs in 44.3% (n = 272), lived in permanent housing with drinking water supply. Sickle cell trait (SMA) was found in 22.5% (n = 138). Conclusion: The analysis of these results highlights a high frequency of the S gene for sickle cell disease. The population with an average monthly income is the most affected, with a male predominance.

Sickle Cell Anemia, Blood Donors, Sickle Scan

Maman, B. , Djibrilla-Almoustapha, A. , Elhadji-Chefou, M. , Hamidine, I. , Hassane, M. and Malam-Abdou, B. (2024) Sickle Cell Disease in the Zinder Region in 2023: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors. Open Journal of Blood Diseases, 14, 1-7. doi: 10.4236/ojbd.2024.141001.