ABSTRACT
Sickle cell anaemia, a haemoglobinopathy with serious impacts represents a health challenge in the developing world. Patients are particularly susceptible to repeated infections that may endanger their lives. In this study 83 adults and 30 children were included. Cross-sectionally, serum immunoglobulins [Ig[G], Ig[A] and Ig[M]] and complement factors [C[3]and C[4]] were assessed. In addition prospectively all subjects were immunized by Hepatitis [B] vaccine [Recombinant Hepatitis [B] virus surface antigen] and the immune response was evaluated and followed up by antibodies to the selected antigen. Only serum Ig[A] was elevated in all sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait groups when compared to age matched healthy relatives and Serum Ig[M] was decreased only in sickle cell disease children group. The sickler groups showed close numbers of responders compared to controls in adult groups. The results denoted a possible quantitative difference in the level of Hepatitis [B] virus surface antibody. Further studies to delineate the implicated mechanisms in the immunodeficiency are suggested. Chemoprophylaxis and immunoprophylaxis are highly recommended, meanwhile