Haemoglobin D-Ouled Rabah among the Mozabites: a relevant variant to trace the origin of Berber-speaking populations

We have studied haemoglobin (Hb) variants and blood groups (ABO, RH, and Kell) in 598 children from the Berber population of the Mzab. Hb D-Ouled Rabah, considered as a private marker of the Kel Kummer Tuaregs, and Hb C were found at the same gene frequency (0.015). Haplotype analysis suggests a single origin to the Hb D mutation. Genetic distances calculated from the blood group data cluster Mozabites and Tuaregs with the other Berber-speaking groups, Arabic-speaking populations being more distant. But, we found no specific relationship between Mozabites and Kel Kummers. Tuaregs in general exhibit features that tend to differentiate them from other Berber-speaking groups. Hb D-Ouled Rabah may be specific of Berber-speaking populations.