nervous system Now that you have concluded the target system, it is important fo

Question

nervous system

Now that you have concluded the target system, it is important for you to know that the neurologic examinations revealed that the most severely ill worker had ocular muscle weakness and was unable to maintain an upward gaze. In addition, this person had decreased sensation to light touch below the left knee. Otherwise, all other neurologic findings were unremarkable. Results of plasma and red blood cell cholinesterase activity tests were within the normal range for all workers tested. What agent or agents do you feel may be the culprits in this case? If you are still unsure about the agent causing the problem, here is your final clue. Your investigation and questioning has found that there are 22 different preparations of insecticide dips, shampoos, pills, powders, and sprays used in the clinic or dispensed by the clinic. These products include 12 types of pesticides. Employees use no precautions to protect the skin. How might you secure information regarding the operation at the clinic with sick workers and other pesticide usage by other veterinary clinics?

Explanation / Answer

Insecticides and pesticides such as dimethoate, formetanate, pinmicarb, etc. and other organophosphorus compounds bind to acetylcholinesterase and disrupt their functioning. The acetlycholinesterases or simply, the cholinesterases degrade acetlycholine into cholin and acetic acid. This is necessary for normal functioning of the muscles and muscular contractions. When this acetylcholinesterase does not function properly, the acetylcholine accumulates at the neuromuscular junction and leads to overstimulation of the muscles and nerve fibres leading to ocular muscle weakness as decribed. Although the cholinesterase levels are normal that may be due to the fact that the poisoning level is not too high and the symptoms are just the initial responses seen. The sick workers should wear protective clothing to reduce these symptoms and the clinic must decrease pesticide usage as much possible or switch to less hazardous alternatives such as biocontrols and bioinsecticides. Other veterinary clinics should follow the same guideline for ensuring the health of their employees. This information regarding the operation in the clinic must be shared with the sick workers and other veterinary clinics using these pesticides.

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