An overview of insecticide poisoning at Manipal Poison Detection Center, KMC Manipal

Background: Insecticide is a chemical that kills bugs. They are widely used pesticide in rural areas. Some of the most commonly used insecticides are organo phosphorous like thimet, lethal TC, monocil, nuvan, ekalux, lethal super and so on, carbamates and pyrethrine. Insecticide are easily accessible and are often used to commit suicides. Accidental poisoning may also occur. Mild Poisoning or Early Symptoms of Acute Poisoning headache, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, restlessness, nervousness, perspiration, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of weight, thirst, moodiness, soreness in joints, skin irritation, eye irritation, irritation of the nose and throat. Pesticides can be absorbed by inhalation, ingestion and dermal absorption. The syndrome is inconsistent in those affected and is likely to represent low level chronic toxicity. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of unintentional insecticide poisoning at Manipal Poison Detection Centre, KMC Manipal. Materials and Methods: Blood and urine samples were collected and analyzed using TLC method. TLC experimentation was accompanied by ascending development. The colorless, separated constituents were developed using iodine fume to obtain colored spot. Result and Conclusion: We analyzed 40 samples, of which 26 were tested positive (male:16, female:10) for organophoshorous and 4 negative (male:2, female:2) 4 tested positive (male:4) for Carbamate and 3 negative(male:1, female:2) 6 tested positive for Pyrethrin (male:5, female: 1) and 3 negative (male:1, female:2) Organophosphorous can be stored in fat cells for prolonged periods and cause neurotoxicity. The mechanism of toxicity is inhibition of acetylcholine esterase, resulting in accumulation of acetyl choline. Signs and symptoms develop immediately after exposure or within 12 hours. A constant exposure at low doses can cause persistent anorexia, weakness and malaise. Acute ingestion may cause prolonged paralysis of head, neck, limbs and thorax muscles.