Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is common across Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the investigation of SCD in this area has been significantly limited mainly due to the lack of research facilities and skilled personnel. Here, we present optical measurements of individual red blood cells from healthy individuals and individuals with SCD and sickle cell trait in Tanzania using the quantitative phase imaging technique. By employing a quantitative phase imaging unit, an existing microscope in a clinic is transformed into a powerful quantitative phase microscope providing measurements on the morphological, biochemical, and biomechanical properties of individual cells. The present approach will open up new opportunities for cost-effective investigation and diagnosis of several diseases in low resource environments.
Highlights
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal genetic blood disorder from the inheritance of point-mutated globin genes producing abnormal hemoglobin (Hb)[1]
The results show that the sickle cell trait (SCT) red blood cells (RBCs) and reversibly sickled SCD cells (RSCs) have dimple shapes in the middle of the cell membrane, whereas the irreversibly sickled SCD cells (ISCs) lost their dimple shapes
This study presents systematic cell analysis of RBCs in Tanzania using the quantitative phase imaging unit (QPIU)
Summary
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal genetic blood disorder from the inheritance of point-mutated globin genes producing abnormal hemoglobin (Hb)[1]. We note that the objectives of this study are (1) to demonstrate the capability of QPI techniques in African countries regarding technical development and (2) to perform systematic measurements and comparative analyzes of individual RBCs from healthy, SCD, and SCT patients as scientific advances. 623 RBCs from 23 individuals (5 healthy, 8 SCT, and 10 SCD donors) were measured, and their morphological, biochemical, and mechanical properties were systematically analyzed We found that both the RBCs from SCD and SCT patients had significantly different morphological and biomechanical properties compared to the healthy RBCs. The demonstration of the QPIU in Tanzania will provide new opportunities for the cost-effective and quantitative investigation of SCD as well as other neglected tropical diseases in low- and middle-income countries
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