Hemogloin E trait: heterozygotes for Hb E (AE)
Heterozygous AE occurs when the gene for hemoglbin E is inherited from one parent and the gene for hemoglobin A from the other. This is call hemoglobin E trait, and it is not a disease. People who have hemoglobin E trait (heterozygous) are asymptomatic and their state does not usually result in health problems. They may have a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and very abnormal red blood cells (target cells). Its clinical relevance is exclusively due to the potential for transmitting E or beta-thlassemia.