Sickle Cell Disease: Inheritance and Prevalence in Different Ethnic Groups

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. It is caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene, which leads to the production of sickle-shaped red blood cells. These sickle-shaped red blood cells can clog blood vessels, causing pain, tissue damage, and even death.

SCD is more commonly inherited in people of African descent. This is because the mutation that causes SCD originated in Africa, and it was passed down to future generations through genetic inheritance.