Sickle cells or drepanocytes in a patient of African descent. The sickle cell anemia gene is more common in patients of African origin, as the sickle cell trait (mutation in one gene) provides some resistance to malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum during the critical early childhood phase. This contributes to the survival of the carrier and subsequent transmission of the gene to the next generation.
Sample type: Peripheral blood
Staining type: May-Grünwald-Giemsa
Authors: A. Domingo Claros, E. Alonso
Workplace: Bellvitge University Hospital, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona
