What does it mean to have hemoglobin C?

What does it mean to have hemoglobin C?

Hemoglobin C is an abnormal type of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It is a type of hemoglobinopathy. The disease is caused by a problem with a gene called beta globin. The disease most often occurs in African Americans.

Which amino substitution is responsible for hemoglobin C?

Hemoglobin C (Hb C) is a structural variant of normal hemoglobin A (Hb A) caused by an amino acid substitution of lysine for glutamic acid at position six of the beta hemoglobin chain.

What is hemoglobin C thalassemia?

Individuals with hemoglobin C/ thalassemia have a moderately severe disease marked by splenomegaly and occasional bone changes. Most individuals with hemoglobin C/ thalassemia have a mild anemia marked by a low MCV and target cells.

What is C trait?

What is hemoglobin C trait? The normal, and most common, type of hemoglobin is called hemoglobin A. Hemoglobin C trait is when a baby inherited one gene for hemoglobin A from one parent and one gene for hemoglobin C from the other parent. People with hemoglobin C trait are not sick.

Is hemoglobin C trait sickle cell trait?

Hemoglobin C trait (hemoglobin C carrier) occurs when a person inherits one gene for hemoglobin C and one gene for hemoglobin A. Individuals with hemoglobin C trait are NOT at risk to develop sickle cell disease or hemoglobin C disease. They generally do NOT have any medical problems and lead normal lives.

How is hemoglobin C trait treated?

Hemoglobin C disease is a chronic condition, but it often doesn’t need any treatment. The anemia that develops is mild and rarely interferes with everyday life. No special therapy, vitamins, or iron supplements are needed to treat hemoglobin C disease.

How do you test for hemoglobin C trait?

People with hemoglobin C disease usually do not have serious health problems from the disease. The only way to know if you have hemoglobin C trait is to have a simple blood test. Talk to your physician about genetic testing and counseling if you or a member of your family member has Hemoglobin C trait.

What is the C trait?

Who has hemoglobin C trait?

About 1 out of every 40 African-Americans has hemoglobin C trait. This trait also affects people whose ancestors came from Italy, Greece, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean region. However, it is possible for a person of any race or nationality to have hemoglobin C trait.