To have the disease, both sets of parents must carry what is known as the sickle cell trait.

Over this time 62 died of natural causes, including 13 who had sickle cell trait.

Both parents either carry the sickle cell trait or have the disease.

Certain hemoglobinopathies, the most common of which is sickle cell trait, do this.

About 1 in 12 African Americans has sickle cell trait.

However, individuals with sickle cell trait may have rare complications.

A similar mechanism occurs with persons who have sickle cell trait.

The sickle cell trait is associated with resistance to malaria.

It concluded that Martin died from complications of sickle cell trait.

People with sickle cell trait can lead perfectly healthy lives.