Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase on indian piaroas in malaria-endemic area.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) remains intact sulfhydryl groups and assist in the detoxification of free radicals and peroxides, therefore deficit irreversible oxidative damage and destruction of the erythrocyte when these are subjected to oxidative substances and stress. Plasmodium spp. infection causes anemia as a result of the rupture of the erythrocyte by this parasite, it can be aggravated in people infected with G6PD deficiency when exposed to drugs. Descriptive field study in which the enzymatic activity of G6PD in an indigenous community of Piaroa municipality of Atures Amazonas state was determined by biochemical tests. The sample consisted of 186 individuals, 100 women and 86 men. The average concentration of hemoglobin was 10.6 g/dL, 88, 6% of the subjects were moderately anemic and none had G6PD deficiency. It is concluded that anemia is common in indigenous Piaroas, moderate and deficiency type; no biochemical test that G6PD deficiency is detected; and that this study provides useful information to state agencies responsible for administering health care in Venezuela information.