The first association of Hb Knossos: (HBB: c.82G>T) with (HBB: c.118C˃T) mutation causes thalassemia homozygous in Algerian children

Belhadi Kamilia1, *, GribaaMoez2, Djaara Hayat 1 and OuarhlentYamina3

1Biotechnology’s Laboratory of the Bioactive Molecules and the Cellular Physiopathology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Biology and Living Organisms, University of Mustapha Ben Boulaid. 53 Constantine Rd, Fesdis, Batna 05078, Algeria.
2Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia.
3Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Batna, Algeria.
 
Research Article
GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2020, 12(01), 162-167.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2020.12.1.0192
Publication history: 
Received on 18 June 2020; revised on 01 July 2020; accepted on 10 July 2020
 
Abstract: 
Beta-thalassemia is the most common disease among hemoglobinopathies in Algeria. Mutations found in Algerian beta-thalassemia patients constitute a heterogeneous group, consisting mostly of point mutations. Only in very rare cases did deletions or insertions cause affected or carrier phenotypes. Hb Knossos (HBB: c.82G> T) is a rare variant. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of compound heterozygosis for Hb Knossos (HBB: c.82G> T) and (HBB: c.118C˃T). To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a combination related with beta-thalassemia major phenotype in a Algerian  family, we used the minisequencing assay as a rapid screening procedure to identify  most common HBB genetic variants and direct DNA sequencing to detect the rare mutations of HBB gene. Heterozygous inheritance of the mutation results in severe beta-thalassemia phenotype. The proband was a 13-year-old boy when first studied. He was referred because of severe anemia. Hematological analysis of the reveals Hb 7.2 g/dl;  with microcytosis of 71.1  fl,   hypochromia 25 pg and  the number of red blood cells is  2.9 106 / mm³ . In addition, a significantly secondary thrombocytosis and leukocytosis were reported in patient. Electrophoresis of hemoglobin in an alkaline medium shows Hb A2 = 4% HbF = 65% and blood smear confirms microcytosis hypochromia, and showing the presence of many dacrocyte with hypereosinophilia.
The combination of these mutations Hb Knossos (HBB: c.82G> T) and (HBB: c.118C˃T) causes the beta-thalassemia major phenotype, and this is important for genetic counseling.
 
Keywords: 
Beta-thalassemia; Hb Knossos; HBB gene; Genetic Counseling; Algeria
 
Full text article in PDF: 
Share this