چکیده (انگلیسی):

G6PD deficiency is one of the most common human enzyme deficiencies in the world. It is particularly common in populations living in malaria-endemic areas. The aim of this study is to molecularly screen G6PD enzyme among deficient children (aged 0-5 years) with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Katsina State, North-western Nigeria, and a region with no any molecular information on G6PD enzyme. A total of 200 blood samples were collected from children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria attending six selected hospitals located across the three senatorial zones of the state from March 2015 to May 2015. G6PD deficiency was detected qualitatively using G6PD screening test. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of 7 samples (6 deficient and 1 control) shows the presence of G202A mutation in all the samples. The nucleotides sequence obtained from sequencing reaction of one deficient and one control samples are 97% homologous to other G6PD genes of different strains. This study has indicated a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency among the study population. Based on the results obtained, there is a need for the routine screening of children for G6PD deficiency in our environment and training of paediatricians in order to avoid cases of drug-induced anaemia, particularly in the treatment of malaria.