RAPID ANALYSIS OF -ALPHA(3.7) THALASSEMIA AND ALPHA-ALPHA-ALPHA(ANTI 3.7) TRIPLICATION BY ENZYMATIC AMPLIFICATION ANALYSIS

In this report we describe a PCR-based method for the diagnosis of the most common form of alpha thalassaemia, the -alpha3.7 deletion which occurs throughout all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The same procedure also identifies the reciprocal recombinant chromosome (alphaalphaalpha(anti 3.7)). Restriction mapping of the PCR products has enabled us to distinguish between the type I (-alpha3.7 I), type II (-alpha3.7 II) and type III (-alpha3.7 III) deletions. This strategy will be very useful in screening programmes of alpha thalassaemia occurring on its own or in association with beta thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.