Surprising Facts About Sickle Cell Anemia

Jessica Groom

Sickle Cell And Malaria

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Yes, this condition has a close connection with malaria. The sickle cell gene appears to occur most often among individuals from the parts of the world where malaria is currently or used to be common. Sickle cell anemia affects hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body and its tissues. In sickle cell disease, there is deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin, which distorts the blood cells and obstructs circulation while also damaging body tissues. The weakened blood cells make for poor hosts for malaria, as they leak the needed nutrients and the liver appears to selectively eliminate it.

Continue reading to learn how sickle cell disease is more than just pain.

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Sickle Cell And Malaria

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