• Gita Shrestha
• Nanda Bahadur Singh
• Priti Shrestha

Thalassemia and haemoglobinopathies are genetic disorders of the blood. Beta-thalassemia and HbE disorders are an emerging global health problem. Mutation leads to reduced or absence of globin chain synthesis and reduction in the production of haemoglobin. Any population based data on the prevalence of beta-thalassemia and HbE disorders in Nepal is lacking. Therefore, this study was done with the aim to find out the prevalence of beta-thalassemia and HbE disorders in some ethnic groups of Nepal. The study sites included three districts, Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari of eastern Nepal. Study population comprised of four ethnic groups, Koch Rajbanshi, Kochila Tharu, Musahar and Santhal. In this cross-sectional study haematological parameters of 1200 blood samples of all age groups (7 – 75 years) were estimated by an automated haematological cell counter. Peripheral blood smear was studied microscopically for target cells. Cases with Hb, MCV and MCH less than 25gm/dl. 80fl and 27pg were further analysed for haemoglobin pattern. Haemoglobin quantification was done by capillary electrophoresis (Sebia minicap flex piercing). Out of 1200 cases, 2.83% HbE homozygous, 2% HbE heterozygous and 4.083% beta thalassemia was diagnosed. This study showed that beta-thalassemia and haemoglobinopathies prevalent in the study population could develop into serious health problems.

Beta-thalassemia, HbE, ethnic groups, capillary electrophoresis.

"DISTRIBUTION OF HAEMOGLOBINOPATHIES IN THE ETHNIC GROUPS OF EASTERN TERAI, NEPAL.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.717-724, June 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906Q98.pdf

"DISTRIBUTION OF HAEMOGLOBINOPATHIES IN THE ETHNIC GROUPS OF EASTERN TERAI, NEPAL.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp717-724, June 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906Q98.pdf