Sickle-cell Trait in Western Nigeria

Abstract

The examination of " pre-Dravidian " people is being con- tinued with the hope of further defining the distribution of the sickle-cell trait in Southern India.However, the main purpose of the investigation has been achieved since the results lend support to the possibility of a link between pre- historic Africa and India. SummaryThe sickle-cell trait was found to be present in a number of individuals belonging to three aboriginal communities of Southern India.There was a low incidence of the Rh chromosome R0 (cDe).No sickle-cell-trait carrier was discovered among a control group of the non-aboriginal or "Dravidian" population.The possible anthropological significance of these findings is discussed.