GENOTYPE: A Determinate Factor In Marriage

Over the years, marriages have been conducted without ascertaining the genotype of the intending couples. Hence, many families have given birth to children and they die in their face. Research have shown that most of these children whose genotype is 'SS' dose not live up to two decades. And when they die at such a tender age, the family members tag them an ogbanje(reincarnate) in igbo or abiku(predestined to die) in yoruba, not knowing that it was their ignorance that brought about the death of these children. Also, a research conducted examined defined symptoms of 100 children classified as ogbanje. Haemoglobin analysis showed that 70 of the 100 children had sickle cell disease(SCD) and thereby died in their adolescent age.




What is genotype?

Genotype is the genetic make up of an individual. It(genotype) shows the inherited traits of an individual from his parents. That is why people are able to run paternity test.

Why is genotype a determinant factor in marriage?

There are three possible genotype an individual can possess which are;
- AA normal child
- AS normal but carrier of sickle cell
-SS sickle cell anamiea popularly called sickler.
When a newly wedded couples having both a genotype of AS, when you cross breed it you will find out that there is every 25% chance of giving birth to a child with a genotype of SS.


Effects of giving birth to a child whose genotype is SS.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder in which red blood cells(RBCs) are abnormally shaped. This abnormality can result in painful episodes, serious infections chronic anamiea and damage to body organs. Someone who inherits a sickle cell gene from each parent has haemoglobin SS disease also called sickle cell anamiea. The individual immune system is weak and hence can suffer from tissue and bone damage, strokes and organ failure. The body system is subject to high risk of infections.

These individuals suffers severe sickness from child birth and hence causes pains, worries and anxieties to Their parents. Only minority survive at this tender age, majority die after their parents must have spent so much seeking for a cure.

In conclusion, genotyping(a test carried out to know the genotype make up of an individual) is very essential before marriage. I hereby, advice every couple who wants to wed to go for genotyping before heading on with the marriage plans, in other to avoid the consequences it might bring upon you and your family.

Nevertheless, there are other important test intending couples are expected to run such as ABO blood group, HIV but of these, genotype is very essential.