Ansari, Saqib HShamsi, Tahir SAshraf, MushtaqFarzana, TasneemBohray, MuneeraPerveen, KousarErum, SajidaAnsari, IqraAhmed, Muhammad NadeemAhmed, MasoodRaza, Faizan2012-11-212012-11-212012-05Ansari Saqib H, Shamsi Tahir S, Ashraf Mushtaq, Farzana Tasneem, Bohray Muneera, Perveen Kousar, Erum Sajida, Ansari Iqra, Ahmed Muhammad Nadeem, Ahmed Masood, Raza Faizan. Molecular epidemiology of β-thalassemia in Pakistan: Far reaching implications. Indian Journal of Human Genetics. 2012 May; 18(2): 193-197.http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/143270Background: β -Thalassaemia, an autosomal recessive hemoglobinopathy, is one of the commonest genetically transmitted disorders throughout the world. Collective measures including carrier identification, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis are required for preventing β-thalassemia. Aim: To achieve this objective, Identification of the spectrum of genetic mutations, especially for various ethnic backgrounds in Pakistan. Therefore, we designed a cross sectional prospective study to identify the frequency of various gene mutations in different ethnic groups of Pakistan. Materials and Methods: Over a 5-year period, DNA from 648 blood samples {including specimens of chorionic villus sampling (CVS)} were analyzed for the twelve most common β-thalassemia mutations found in the Pakistani population by a Multiplex amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS). Each sample was analyzed for the mutation as well as the normal gene, appropriate with negative and positive controls, and reagent blanks. Results: Out of 648 samples mutations were identified in 640 (98.75%) samples by multiplex ARMS. 8 common β-thalassemia mutations were identified in 8 different ethnic groups accounting for 93.9% of the β-thalasemia alleles. Conclusions: Based on the outcome of this study a cost effective proposal is formulated for detection of β-thalassemia mutations.enGene frequencygenetic epidemiologyprenatal diagnosisthalassaemia preventionEthnic Groups --geneticsGene Frequency --geneticsHumansMutation --geneticsPakistanPrenatal Diagnosis --methodsbeta-Thalassemia --diagnosisbeta-Thalassemia --epidemiologybeta-Thalassemia --geneticsbeta-Thalassemia --prevention & controlArticle