text_1: A high microerythrocyte count protects against severe anemia in homozygous alpha (+)- thalassemia trait subjects.
text_2: METHODS AND FINDINGS Data from children living on the north coast of Papua New Guinea who had participated in a case-control study of the protection afforded by alpha(+)-thalassaemia against severe malaria were reanalysed to assess the genotype-specific reduction in erythrocyte count and Hb levels associated with acute malarial disease.