The Six Genotypes

   When we took Biology  back then in secondary school, we were taught not so extensively about the human genotype and we were told that there were three types of genotpes the AA, AS and SS. This however is an erroneous information that needs to be corrected as there are actually six major genotypes in humans. They are the AA, AS, AC, SS, CC, and SC.
The genotype is the genetic makeup of an indiviual in reference to a trait or multiple traits. they are the collection of genes passed from parents to the children. To understand the human genotype it is relevant to understand what haemoglobin(Hb) genotype is. Blood is a liquid tissue made up of a fliud called plasma, the plasma contains several blood cells suspended in it mainly the red blood cells, white blood cells and the platelets.The haemoglobin(Hb) is contained within the red blood cell and its what gives the blood its red colour and the capacity to carry oxygen.
The genes dictate the total make up of human beings, it dictates eye colour, skin colour, haemoglobin type and other human characteristics. The haemoglobin genotype dictates the type of haemoglobin our blood cells contain. In essence the type of haemoglobin genotype we bear depends on what we inherit from our parents.
The AA genotype(Hb AA) is the healthy genotype, the AA person has two normal genes. however it out of all six genotypes is the most prone to malaria. According to an assesment carried out at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, results showed that children with genotype AA(92%) were more susceptible to the malaria parasite than AS(5.1%) and SS(2.6%)
Previously conducted research has shown that malaria parasites have a high rate of oxygen consumption and ingest large amounts of haemoglobin during the peripheral blood stage of replication this makes the AA blood more conducive and malaria parasite thrives better in it.
The AS genotype(Hb AS) has one normal and one abnormal gene thus they are considered sickle cell trait or carriers. The AS(Hb AS) genotype are usually strong and can survive mosquitoe attack generally.
The AC(Hb AC) genotype is found at the highest frequencies in West Africa. People with the AC genotype have red blood cells that have haemoglobin A, the normal gene and haemoglobin C an abnormal gene. People with this genotype rarely have malaria as the genotype has been associated with protection against malaria. People with this genotype do not have the sickle cell or haemoglobin C disease but can pass off the trait to their offsprings.
People with the SC genotype(Hb SC) are susceptible to health complications that come from the haemoglobin C disease.This health complications include mild to moderate enlargement of the spleen, Anemia, occasional jaundice may occur and some persons with this disease may develop gall stones that require treatment.Sickle cell crisis in people with SC is usually not as severe as those wit SS.
The individual with the SS genotype(Hb SS) is said to have the sickle cell disease and is usually referred to as a sickler. A sickler is anyone that has the Hb S, C or any other abnormal genotype from both parents. Such a person usually falls sick every now and then and this sickness is called a crisis. The crisis are a range of health complications including swelling of hands and feet in children, fever, aches and pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, insomia, delayed menstration, necrosis of any area that is impaired amongst others.
The CC genotype(Hb CC) is a very rare genotype. the Individual with this genotype is a carrier of the haemoglobin C from both parents. Most people with the Hb CC genotype do not have outward symptoms but when they do occur, the symptoms are Chlolelitithasis(gall stones that require treatment), Splenomegaly(big spleen), Angliod streaks(poor vision), Aplastic crisis( episodes of severe anemia).Folic acid supplements are required to help the body with red blood cell production and improve symptoms of anemia. Unlike the Hb SS genotype, people with Hb CC have a normal life expectancy.
It is important that an individual knows his/her genotype as early possible, this way the quality of life can be improved and well managed. Avoid going to quack laboratories for genotype tests, definitely the lab technicians will assume AA, AS, or SS since the symptoms of the other three geneotypes are similar to these popular genotypes. Note that only people with the AA genotype can marry people with the AC, AS, SC , SS, or CC genotypes without medical complications arising with their offsprings.