Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Sickle cell disease is primarily prevalent in individuals of West African descent due to the historical adaptation to malaria. The sickle-shaped cells that characterize this disease provide a survival advantage against the malaria parasite. This phenomenon is known as balanced polymorphism; individuals who carry one sickle cell trait gene (heterozygous) are less likely to suffer from severe malaria, which has led to a higher frequency of the sickle cell gene in populations from regions where malaria is endemic.

In contrast, while there are occurrences of sickle cell disease in other populations, such as those of Middle Eastern descent or even in some Mediterranean areas, the highest rates are unequivocally seen among individuals of West African descent. The gene's frequency diminishes considerably in populations that do not have a historical or geographical association with malaria, like those of Asian or European descent, further underscoring the link between sickle cell disease and West African ancestry.