LINKAGE-DISEQUILIBRIUM OF THE SENEGAL HAPLOTYPE WITH THE BETA(S) GENEIN THE REPUBLIC-OF-GUINEA

We have determined the beta gene cluster haplotype in 40 chromosomes c arrying the beta(s) mutation from individuals of the major ethnic grou ps living in the Republic of Guinea, Thirty-one of these were either t he typical (n = 29) or the atypical (n = 2) Senegal haplotype demonstr ating that in this region of Atlantic West Africa, the sickle mutation is in linkage disequilibrium with this particular beta-gene cluster h aplotype. Two individuals carrying one chromosome bearing the Benin ha plotype were of Malinke ethnic origin. This is in keeping with the hyp othesis that the Senegal beta-gene cluster haplotype is linked to the beta(s) gene in Atlantic West Africa. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.