G6PD deficiency most commonly affects which population?

G6PD deficiency most commonly affects which population?

• A. Asian females
• B. Caucasian males
• C. African American males
• D. Hispanic females

Answer: (C)

G6PD deficiency is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern. This means males, with one X chromosome, are affected if that single X carries the deficient gene, while females typically are carriers unless they inherit two defective copies. The condition is notably more common in people of African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern descent due to higher carrier frequencies in those populations. Among the groups listed, African American males have the highest prevalence, so they are the population most commonly affected.

G6PD deficiency is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern. This means males, with one X chromosome, are affected if that single X carries the deficient gene, while females typically are carriers unless they inherit two defective copies. The condition is notably more common in people of African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern descent due to higher carrier frequencies in those populations. Among the groups listed, African American males have the highest prevalence, so they are the population most commonly affected.