Abstract
We describe a new δ-globin variant, Hb A2-Tunis [δ46(CD5)Gly → Glu; HBD: c.140G>A]. This hemoglobin (Hb) variant displayed a faster electrophoretic mobility than normal Hb A2 and was expressed at 3.2%. The molecular defect was characterized by DNA sequencing analysis. Hb A2-Tunis was found in a carrier of a β0-thalassemia (β0-thal) [IVS I-1 (β143, G>A); HBB: c.92 + 1G>A] and Hb C [β6(A3)Glu → Lys; HBB: c.19G>A], presenting with a normal Hb A2 level. Phenotype and genotype investigations revealed that the patient has a total Hb A2 level of 7.1% that was expected for a β-thalassemia (β-thal) minor carrier.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to all the members of the staff at the Pasteur Institute, Tunis, Tunisia and the Hematology Laboratory of CHU La Rabta, La Rabta, Tunisia, for their close cooperation and important contributions.