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Konzo associated with war in Mozambique
1Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.
Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|December 10, 1997
Summary
An epidemic of konzo, a neurological disorder, affected 384 patients due to cyanide exposure from improperly processed cassava. This highlights the critical link between staple food processing and public health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- An epidemic of konzo, a symmetric spastic paraparesis, was observed.
- The condition is linked to cyanide exposure from consuming inadequately processed bitter cassava.
- War conditions led to increased reliance on bitter cassava and processing shortcuts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze an epidemic of konzo.
- To identify risk factors and affected populations.
- To investigate the relationship between cassava consumption, cyanide exposure, and konzo.
Main Methods:
- Patient data collection from rehabilitation centers (384 patients).
- Prevalence rate calculation in affected areas (30/1000).
- Biochemical analysis of urinary thiocyanate, linamarin, and inorganic sulfate in school children.
Main Results:
- Konzo affected primarily children over 3 and women.
- Prevalence reached 30/1000 in severely impacted regions.
- Elevated urinary thiocyanate and linamarin, with low inorganic sulfate, were found in school children.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient processing of bitter cassava is a primary cause of konzo epidemics.
- High cyanide intake coupled with low protein intake creates conditions for konzo.
- Public health interventions focusing on safe food processing are crucial.