Blood Groups, Hemoglobinopathy and G-6-PD Deficiency Investigations Among Fifteen Major Scheduled Tribes of Orissa, India

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Abstract
The autochthonous tribes of India constitute an important segment of the society. Genetic data about the tribal people in the state of Orissa are limited. The present investigation deals with the distribution of five genetic markers, namely, ABO and Rhesus (D) blood groups, sickle cell disorders, beta-thalassemia trait, and glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency among fifteen major scheduled tribes scattered in eight different districts of Orissa. A preponderance of blood group B over A, and a low incidence (0-2.1%) of Rhesus-negatives among most of them have been observed. The deficiency of G-6-PD enzyme was quite high, varying from 5.1 to 15.9%; both the deficient female heterozygotes and homozygotes were encountered. The frequency of sickle cell allele varied between zero and 21.5% in the present study, but was comparatively higher in Paraja (21.5%), Gond (11.9%) and Bhatra (10.5%) tribes. Genetic diversity and heterogeneity with respect to the genetic markers studied in the major scheduled tribes of Orissa was evident and this indicated not only inter-tribal admixture but also the diffusion with other racial groups of India. These results have been discussed in the light of previous studies carried out from the state.

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