Disorders Of Erythrocyte Function 1.Sickle cell disease is an adaptive response against malaria. Discuss and identify the pathogen and transmission of malaria.
2. Where and why do you think an adaptation occurred that led to the development of sickle cell disease and what is the pathophysiology of the adaptation?
3. Why do people who no longer live in parts of the world where malaria is prevalent still develop sickle cell disease and how and why does it occur?
4.How can we advise families with this debilitating disease?
RUBRIC
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Sickle cell disease is indeed an adaptive response to malaria. Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium species, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, and South America. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria caused an estimated 229 million cases and 409,000 deaths worldwide in 2019 alone. The pathogen that causes malaria is a single-celled parasite belonging to the genus Plasmodium, with P. falciparum being the most deadly species.
Sickle cell disease is more prevalent in populations that live in areas with a high incidence of malaria, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean. The sickle cell trait is a genetic adaptation that evolved in response to malaria. The sickle cell gene (HbS) is a mutation in the beta-globin gene of hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to form a sickle shape. In individuals with the sickle cell trait, red blood cells are less susceptible to invasion by the malaria parasite, and this provides a survival advantage against the disease. The pathophysiology of sickle cell disease results from the abnormal shape of the red blood cells, which can obstruct small blood vessels, causing tissue damage and pain.
People who no longer live in parts of the world where malaria is prevalent can still develop sickle cell disease if they inherit the sickle cell gene from their parents. The inheritance pattern of sickle cell disease is autosomal recessive, meaning that a person must inherit two copies of the HbS gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. If a person inherits only one copy of the gene, they have the sickle cell trait, but are usually asymptomatic. The persistence of the sickle cell gene in populations that no longer face a high risk of malaria is due to the fact that carriers of the sickle cell trait have a survival advantage against malaria.
Families affected by sickle cell disease need to receive comprehensive care and support to manage the symptoms and complications of the disease. Genetic counseling is an essential component of the care plan, as it helps families to understand the inheritance pattern of the disease and to make informed decisions about family planning. Treatment options for sickle cell disease include blood transfusions, hydroxyurea therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Patients with sickle cell disease also need to receive routine vaccinations, prophylactic antibiotics, and regular monitoring of their blood counts and organ function to prevent and manage complications such as infections, stroke, and organ damage. It is crucial to provide families with education and resources to help them cope with the physical, emotional, and financial impact of sickle cell disease.
In conclusion, sickle cell disease is a complex genetic disorder that has evolved as an adaptation to the risk of malaria. Although the disease is still prevalent in many parts of the world, advances in research and treatment have improved outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease. Providing comprehensive care and support for families affected by sickle cell disease is essential to reduce the burden of the disease and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
