Epidemic dropsy is due to ?

Appeared in: NORCET-6 mains-2024

Explanation

Epidemic dropsy is caused by contamination of edible oils with argemone oil.
The toxic alkaloid responsible is sanguinarine, found in argemone oil.
Symptoms include bilateral leg swelling, diarrhea, dyspnea, and sometimes glaucoma.
Prevention involves avoiding adulterated oils and enforcing food safety regulations.

Option A: Ergot is a fungus contaminating grains like bajra and rye, causing ergotism, not epidemic dropsy.
Option B: BOAA is the toxin in Lathyrus sativus (khesari dal), causing neurolathyrism, not epidemic dropsy.
Option C: Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus species in improperly stored grains and nuts, causing aflatoxicosis and liver damage, not epidemic dropsy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of epidemic dropsy (food toxicology) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be aware of food adulteration risks and educate communities about safe oil sources.
Early recognition of epidemic dropsy symptoms can prevent complications and reduce mortality.
What if? If the oil is not contaminated with argemone oil, epidemic dropsy will not occur, even if other food toxicants are present.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the disease and recall its classic cause.
Eliminate options by matching each toxin to its specific disease.
Look for keywords like 'mustard oil', 'argemone oil', and 'sanguinarine'.
Use process of elimination for food toxicology questions by linking each toxin to its clinical syndrome.

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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