Sickle cell trait

Sickle cell trait is a genetic condition where an individual inherits one copy of the gene for sickle hemoglobin (HbS) from one parent and one copy of the normal hemoglobin gene (HbA) from the other parent. This makes them heterozygous for the sickle cell gene.

Individuals with sickle cell trait typically do not experience the severe symptoms of sickle cell disease because they produce enough normal hemoglobin. They are usually asymptomatic, but in rare cases, under extreme conditions like severe dehydration or very high altitudes, they might experience some complications. A notable characteristic of sickle cell trait is that it provides a degree of protection against malaria.