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African Journal of Health Sciences
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
ISSN: 1022-9272
Vol. 17, No. 3-4, 2010, pp. 26-30
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Bioline Code: jh10005
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Health Sciences, Vol. 17, No. 3-4, 2010, pp. 26-30
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Genetic Variations and their Association with Diseases among Kenyan Ethnic Populations
Maina, J.O & Nyandieka, H.S
Abstract
Human populations are polymorphic for many loci. The inhabitants of different regions of the
earth can be characterised on the basis of the relative gene frequencies. These gene frequencies
have been associated with certain characteristics such as disease and well being in general. This
kind of relationship has not been exploited in many developing countries for the management
and prevention of diseases. The aim of this study was therefore investigate the possible role
genetics plays in disease, death and infections.
The mode of study involved a combination of a retrospective study and the analysis of genetic
variation among Kenyan ethnic populations using ABO blood group system.
The results showed that there was association between allele frequencies of ABO system
and disease and also mortality rates. It was also observed that populations which had high
mortality rates many years back have also high infection rates of emerging diseases such as
HIV. This study demonstrated that trends of mortality rates and HIV infection among Kenyan
ethnic groups associated with allelic frequencies in ABO blood group system. Therefore
understanding human genetics of a particular population is important in the management and
prevention of diseases.
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