Epidemic Dropsy is due to -

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

Epidemic Dropsy is a form of food poisoning caused by consuming edible oils (like mustard oil) contaminated with seeds from the Argemone mexicana plant.
The toxic alkaloid responsible for this condition is Sanguinarine.
Sanguinarine interferes with cellular metabolic processes (pyruvic acid oxidation), leading to widespread capillary damage, fluid leakage, and severe edema (dropsy).

Option A: BOAA (Beta-N-oxalylamino-L-alanine) is a neurotoxin, not the cause of Epidemic Dropsy.
Option C: Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins that cause ergotism, a different condition from Epidemic Dropsy.
Option D: Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin known for its hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects, not for causing the systemic edema seen in Epidemic Dropsy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Foodborne Toxins and Associated Diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's role in public health includes recognizing clusters of unusual symptoms, such as bilateral leg edema in a community, which could signal an outbreak of Epidemic Dropsy.
Patient education is critical. Nurses should advise patients on food safety, including purchasing certified edible oils and being aware of the dangers of adulterated products.
In a clinical setting, a nurse managing a patient with Epidemic Dropsy would focus on monitoring for signs of cardiac decompensation, managing severe edema, and providing supportive care for symptoms like dyspnea and diarrhea.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'Epidemic Dropsy'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of specific foodborne diseases and their causative toxins.
Systematically review the options, recalling the disease associated with each toxin.
Option A, BOAA, is linked to Neurolathyrism.
Option C, Ergot, is linked to Ergotism.
Option D, Aflatoxin, is linked to Aflatoxicosis and liver cancer.

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

Practise the full UPPSC 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.