Epidemic dropsy is due to

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

Epidemic dropsy is a specific type of edema caused by the toxic alkaloid Sanguinarine.
Sanguinarine is found in the seeds of the prickly poppy (Argemone mexicana).
The condition occurs when edible oils, most commonly mustard oil, are adulterated with oil from Argemone mexicana seeds.
The toxin increases capillary permeability, leading to fluid leakage and the characteristic bilateral pitting edema, particularly in the lower limbs.

Option B: B.O.A.A. (Beta-N-oxalylamino-L-alanine) is a neurotoxin, not the cause of the edema seen in epidemic dropsy.
Option C: While some drugs can cause edema (fluid retention) as a side effect, 'epidemic dropsy' refers to a specific toxicological disease outbreak from a contaminated food source, not a general drug-induced condition.
Option D: Ergot is a fungal toxin that does not cause the clinical picture of epidemic dropsy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Foodborne intoxications and their causative agents as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be vigilant in taking a detailed dietary history for patients presenting with sudden onset bilateral edema, as it can indicate a public health issue like epidemic dropsy.
Recognizing the signs of epidemic dropsy (bilateral leg edema, erythema, gastrointestinal issues) is crucial for early diagnosis and for notifying public health authorities to prevent further cases from the contaminated food source.
What if? If a patient presents with bilateral leg edema and has a history of heart disease, the primary suspicion would shift from a toxicological cause like epidemic dropsy to congestive heart failure, requiring a different diagnostic and management approach (e.g., echocardiogram, diuretics).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Epidemic dropsy'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of specific foodborne diseases.
Recall or deduce the specific toxin associated with this condition. The word 'epidemic' suggests an outbreak, often linked to a common contaminated source.
Evaluate the options. Sanguinarine is the well-known alkaloid from Argemone oil linked to epidemic dropsy.
Eliminate the other options by recalling the distinct diseases they cause: B.O.A.A. causes neurolathyrism, and Ergot causes ergotism. 'Drug induced' is a general category, whereas epidemic dropsy is a specific disease entity.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 194-196

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