Prevalence and Spectrum of β-Thalassemia Mutations in Baghdad, Iraq: Data from the Premarital Screening Program.

The knowledge of the prevalence and molecular basis of β-hemoglobinopathies constitutes an important prerequisite for an effective prevention program. To address this issue in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, a total of 12526 individuals (6263 couples) attending three main Premarital Screening centers were enrolled. Individuals were labeled as β-hemoglobin disorders based on full blood counts and high-performance liquid chromatography.