Joana Williams: How Sickle Cell Trait Protects Against Malaria
Joana Williams, Biology and Chemistry Student at the University of Education, Winneba, shared on LinkedIn:
โSickle Cell Series/Episode 8
Hereโs an interesting fact
People with the sickle cell trait (AS) are naturally protected against malaria!
They have a mix of red blood cells; some are round and normal, while others are slightly sickle-shaped.
This balance actually helps them.
When malaria parasites invade their red blood cells, the slightly sickled ones collapse early and destroy the parasite inside stopping the infection before it spreads.
However, this doesnโt happen for people with SS (sickle cell disease).
Their red blood cells are mostly sickle-shaped, fragile, and already struggling to carry oxygen.
So instead of fighting off malaria, their bodies become even weaker. Making malaria infections more dangerous and life-threatening.
Itโs fascinating how the same gene that causes disease in one formโฆ offers protection in another.
Did you know about this malaria-sickle cell connection before now?
Iโd love to know your thoughts, fascinating or frightening?โ
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