What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is a common recessive condition affecting red blood cells due to the presence of an abnormal type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S that morphs the cells into a crescent shape. These distorted and stiff blood vessels struggle to pass through narrow blood tubes. In addition, the hemoglobin affecting sickle shaped blood vessels causes them to expire more quickly than typical blood cells. Consequently, those afflicted with the disease suffer from inadequate blood flow to many parts of the body. There are many types of sickle cell disease but all are inherited on the basis of hemoglobin genes which come in sets, one from each parent.
History of Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease was discovered over a century ago in Western medicine which is relatively recent. However, the origins of the disease can be traced back thousands of years ago in Africa. The culprit? Mosquitos, but more specifically, malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite that infects mosquitoes and is then transferred from the mosquito to a person. Given that mosquitos thrive in tropical and warm climates, malaria was and is especially common in Africa. When the parasite infects normal red blood cells, they explode and release parasites further into the bloodstream. However, the misshapen shape and shorter life of sickle cells disables the parasite from completing its life cycle and spreading. Because malaria is deadlier than sickle cell, the selection of a sickle cell trait served to protect ancient populations from malaria.
Sickle Cell Today
Today, sickle cell disease disproportionately affects individuals of African descent because of its ancient origins in Africa. Although there is no cure, fortunately, many treatments have been developed since the discovery of sickle cell in Western medicine. This includes blood transfusions, cell transplants, and gene-editing therapy. Blood donation remains a noble cause to help individuals with sickle cell disease flourish in spite of it.
