GENOTYPE!!!- What about it?

I got very personal about the 'Knowing your Genotype' issue after I lost my brother and friend last year December.
It was a terrible and sad Christmas and the only console we had was that he was going to finally have some rest from the crisis today transfusion tomorrow saga and wahala!

Nobody could blame death even though it hurts not after the millions of naira spent from cradle to his adult age when we all thought he would stay finally; just like the they would speak of the 'Abikus' in the days of old. But then should I say ignorance kills? Yes of course it does and also adds multiple effect to its destructions.

Now why must you know your GENOTYPE?

In our quest for marital bliss we ask all sort of questions from our partners like;
1.  If he/she wanted kids,
2.  If we shared similar religious beliefs,
3.  If he was an alcoholic or drug addict,
4. If he had a history of infidelity or if he had any sexually transmitted diseases.
....and the list goes on and on but we forget the important ones like knowing their Genotype status just has we desire to know their HIV status!

WHAT IS GENOTYPE
Let’s start from the meaning of Genotype in elementary Biology: A genotype is simply the genetic constitution of an individual organism.
Gene is a unit inside a cell that controls a particular quality in a living thing that has been “passed on” from its parents, or inherited from both parents.

Gene-type found in RBCs are termed “AA”, “AS”, “AC” or “SS”, “CC”, "SC

= HbAA (normal Gene)
= HbAS (SICKLE CELL TRAIT ;A person having a normal Hb. Gene “A” with abnormal Hb. Gene “S” or ”C” is said to “carry” Sickle Cell Trait. (Trait is a particular quality in a personality) any one with “AS” or “AC” Genotype are usually strong and can survive Mosquito attack generally)
= HbSS (Sicklers)
= HbAC (not common but having similar condition with Genotype AS)

WHY SHOULD I KNOW MY GENOTYPE?
Over the years, the ignorance of genotype knowledge has brought so many untold suffering on parents/couples blaming witches, Mother in laws and enemies for health problems associated with their children infancy
The primary reason for knowing your genotype is to know who to get married to as seen in the table and interpreted below, to avoid  reproducing SICKLERS (SS).
The table below is represented as follows:

* Genotype

* Possible Genotype produced

* Medical recommendation

AA - AA

AA, AA

Encouraged. √

AA - AS

AA, AS

Encouraged. √

AA - SS

AA, AS,

Encouraged √

AS - AS

AA, AS, SS

Discouraged ×

AS - SS

AS, SS

Discouraged ×

SS – SS

SS, SS

Highly Discouraged ××

You might not know or understand the pains, hurts and discomfort sickle cell patients go through except you have or had one around you.
And it hurts much more when you lose them after all the troubles and trauma. 

So why not save yourself a lifetime of blames and guilt. Get TESTED, know your GENOTYPE today!

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