Mutation Analysis of the <i>HBB</i> Gene in Selected Bangladeshi β-Thalassemic Individuals: Presence of Rare Mutations

This is a first of this kind of study in the Bangladeshi population. Although the small sample size makes it difficult to make any population genetics inference, this study can be regarded as the seminal research for a large-scale study to determine the complete mutation profile underlying thalassemia in the Bangladeshi population. The complete mutation profile will provide invaluable strategies (e.g., prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling) for better management of thalassemia in the Bangladeshi population.