Sickle Cell Trait and Protection Against Malaria: Review Literature

Introduction: Malaria is an infectious illness caused by various Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Currently, malaria is still a health problem with a significant incidence globally and has high morbidity and mortality. This makes researchers continue to seek solutions for malaria eradication. One of the things that is known to be protective against severe malaria infection is the sickle cell trait or HbAS. Content: Sickle cell trait is a condition in which an individual is a carrier or has a single gene that causes sickle cell disease. The way sickle cell trait protects against malaria has been suggested for a long time. Along with the development of science and technology, various mechanisms of how the sickle cell trait protects against severe malaria are becoming known. Several mechanisms include sickling, miRNA, decreased cytoadherence, and immunological mechanisms. Conclusion: Malaria is most often caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Indonesia is still an endemic country with the most frequent cases of malaria in children. One thing that is known to be protective against severe malaria, both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria, is the sickle cell trait with various underlying mechanisms.