Genetic Variation in Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Among Children Under Five in Kano State

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked recessive enzymatic disorder that predisposes affected individuals to haemolytic anaemia following oxidative stress, including exposure to certain antimalarial drugs. Its prevalence in Northern Nigeria remains inadequately characterised at the community level. This study investigated the frequency of G6PD deficiency among children under five years of age attending primary healthcare centres in Kano State, North West Nigeria. A total of 300 children were recruited using systematic random sampling. G6PD enzyme activity was measured using the fluorescent spot test and confirmed by quantitative spectrophotometric assay. Sociodemographic data including sex, ethnicity, and history of neonatal jaundice were obtained from caregivers. Results indicated that G6PD deficiency was more prevalent among male children, consistent with the X-linked inheritance pattern, and the Hausa ethnic group had the highest representation among deficient cases, warranting further ethnogenetic investigation. Children with a history of neonatal jaundice showed significant correlation with confirmed G6PD deficiency. These findings underscore the importance of neonatal screening programmes in Northern Nigeria to prevent life-threatening haemolytic episodes arising from uninformed antimalarial treatment. The study adds to the limited body of community-level G6PD data from the North West zone. Keywords: G6PD deficiency, haemolytic anaemia, Kano State, children under five, neonatal screening