Serum protein polymorphism in Papua New Guinea Eastern Highlands.

Four protein polymorphisms: haptoglobin (HP), group specific component (GC), third component of complement (C3) and transferrin (TF), were investigated in Baruya tribes and several other Anga tribes living high in the Wonenara and Marawaka valleys in Papua New Guinea Eastern Highlands. A non-Anga tribe, the Aziana or Kenaze was also sampled. TFD variant was identified in every group except Usarumpia. A number of anhaptoglobinaemic individuals was noticed. Environmental factors causing hemolysis and haptoglobin consumption are suggested. HP1 and GC*1 frequencies were high, as usually observed in New Guinea. The Anga tribes are protected from malaria and represent a model of human isolates. The present study confirms this situation.