Which of the following diseases is caused due to food adulteration of Arhar Dal with Kesari Dal?

Appeared in: HP CHO -9 October 2022

Explanation

Lathyrism is a neurological condition characterized by spastic paralysis of the lower limbs.
It is caused by the prolonged consumption of Kesari Dal (Lathyrus sativus), which is often used to adulterate Arhar Dal (pigeon pea).
The disease is due to a neurotoxin present in Kesari Dal called Beta-N-oxalyl-amino-L-alanine (BOAA).
BOAA damages the upper motor neurons, leading to stiffness, weakness, and paralysis in the legs.

Option B: Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease, not a food-borne illness. It results from the inhalation of mineral or metallic dusts.
Option C: Epidemic dropsy is caused by the adulteration of mustard oil with Argemone oil, not by adulterated pulses.
Option D: Kwashiorkor is a form of severe protein-energy malnutrition, primarily due to dietary protein deficiency.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Food Adulteration and Associated Diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in community health education, teaching people to identify and avoid adulterated foods to prevent diseases like lathyrism.
Early identification of lathyrism symptoms (leg stiffness, difficulty walking) is vital for intervention. While the damage is often irreversible, stopping consumption of the contaminated pulse can prevent progression.
In public health settings, nurses can advocate for policies like banning the sale of Kesari Dal and promoting safer agricultural practices.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'food adulteration', 'Arhar Dal', and 'Kesari Dal'.
The question asks for the specific disease caused by this particular adulteration.
Recall or deduce the connection between the adulterant (Kesari Dal) and the resulting disease.
Evaluate each option: Lathyrism is known to be caused by Lathyrus sativus (Kesari Dal).
Eliminate the other options by identifying their causes: Pneumoconiosis (dust inhalation), Epidemic dropsy (Argemone oil), and Kwashiorkor (protein deficiency).
Confirm that Lathyrism is the only option directly linked to the adulteration mentioned in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 3 p. 258-260

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 209-211

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 181-183

Practise the full HP CHO -9 October 2022

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