Molecular and Hematological Characterization of Alpha Thalassemia In Nineveh Province

Section: Research Paper
Issue
Vol. 48 No. 1 (2026): Volume 48 Issue 1
Pages
23-30

Keywords:

Alpha thalassemia, mutations, molecular characterization, Nineveh

Abstract

Background: Iraq reports high occurrence of Alpha (α) thalassemia. However, limited data exist on the epidemiology of causative α-globin mutations in Nineveh.


Aims: To analyze the α- thalassemia alleles mutational spectrum in Nineveh and to establish the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) cut-off value for α0- thalassemia trait.


Methods: Retrospective study was conducted at Ibn-Al-Atheer and Ibn-Sina Teaching Hospitals between the years 2021 to 2025. Records of a total of 320 persons attending the Premarital Screening Unit were examined. 159 persons had normal α- globin gene (normal control group), and 161 had mutated α-globin gene (of which 7 persons have α0 mutations while the other 154 were α+ mutations). All individuals underwent complete blood count, serum ferritin, hemoglobin variant, polymerase chain reaction study. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS 26.


Results: Detection of 15 α-gene mutations were confirmed, with -α3.7 was the most frequent (42.8%). The mean of MCV (70.81±3.14 fL) was statistically lower within α0-trait than normal α-gene. The optimum cut-off of MCH level in claiming and predicting α0-thalaessemia trait is 25 pg, for MCV the best cut-off level is 74 fL.


Conclusion: The study defines prevalent mutant α-gene variants in Nineveh, with -alpha3.7 predominant. MCV and MCH are useful data to select individuals for molecular tests to determine the α-thalassemia carrier status. Both the MCV & MCH cut-off point most probably will decrease the number of the persons requirements for further α-thalassemia DNA study. Our findings will provide baseline for genetic counselling, public health planning and premarital screening programs in the region.

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Authors

Ghaleb Satea Ghaleb Noaman

Hematology Laboratory, Ibn-sina Teaching Hospital, Mosul, Iraq

Zainab Issam AL-hatem

Al-Hadba Specialized Hospital, Hematology Laboratory, Iraq, Hematology Laboratory, Iraq

Identifiers

DOI: 10.33899/acmm.v48.i1.53616

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1.
Molecular and Hematological Characterization of Alpha Thalassemia In Nineveh Province. Ann. coll. Med. Mosul [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 29 [cited 2026 Jul. 18];48(1):23-30. Available from: https://mmed.uomosul.edu.iq/index.php/mmed/article/view/53616

Author Biography

Zainab Issam AL-hatem (Al-Hadba Specialized Hospital, Hematology Laboratory, Iraq, Hematology Laboratory, Iraq)

Nineveh Health Department, Ministry of Health, Al-Hadba Specialized Hospital, Hematology Laboratory, Iraq, Hematology Laboratory, Iraq

Cnsultant doctor in hematopathology (M.B.Ch.B._F.I.C.M.S.)

( Hematopathology)

How to Cite

1.
Molecular and Hematological Characterization of Alpha Thalassemia In Nineveh Province. Ann. coll. Med. Mosul [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 29 [cited 2026 Jul. 18];48(1):23-30. Available from: https://mmed.uomosul.edu.iq/index.php/mmed/article/view/53616