Direct mutation analysis of beta-thalassemia genes in families of various ethnic origins residing in Germany

DNA from Mediterranean and Asian beta-thalassemia patients, now residing in Germany, has been characterized by oligonucleotide hybridization and direct restriction analysis. Using five oligonucleotide pairs complementary to the most frequent beta-thalassemia mutations, and three different restriction enzymes, we were able to detect 33 of 36 mutations directly.