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Monocrotophos poisoning through contaminated millet flour
Ashwin B Patel1, Aruna Dewan, Bharat C Kaji
1National Institute of Occupational Health, Meghaninagar Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. atmiyapatel@hotmail.com
Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju
|November 16, 2012
Summary
Mass organophosphate (OP) poisoning from contaminated food is a serious concern. This case study shows depressed RBC acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasma cholinesterase (PChE) activities correlate with severe OP poisoning symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is frequently reported in developing nations, often diagnosed clinically.
- Cholinesterase activity assays (serum and RBC) aid diagnosis, but their correlation with clinical severity is debated.
- Foodborne OP contamination poses a significant public health risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a mass monocrotophos poisoning incident from contaminated millet flour.
- To investigate the correlation between cholinesterase activity and clinical manifestations in OP poisoning.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing OP pesticide poisoning from food sources.
Main Methods:
- Case study of eight individuals with severe monocrotophos poisoning.
- Clinical assessment including symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, miosis, and respiratory distress.
- Measurement of plasma cholinesterase (PChE) and red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities upon hospital admission.
Main Results:
- All eight patients presented with severe symptoms consistent with OP poisoning.
- Plasma cholinesterase (PChE) and particularly RBC acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were depressed.
- Observed cholinesterase levels correlated well with the severity of clinical symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Accidental ingestion of contaminated food (millet flour) led to mass monocrotophos poisoning.
- Depressed PChE and AChE activities are valuable indicators of OP exposure, correlating with clinical severity.
- Clinicians must consider OP pesticide poisoning from food and utilize cholinesterase assays for prompt diagnosis and specific treatment.
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