Aetiopathogenesis of endemic ascites in Surguja district of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

An outbreak of a disease characterised by rapidly developing ascites and resulting in high mortality was investigated in a few villages of Surguja district of Madhya Pradesh. Histopathological studies revealed that the main findings were centrilobular hepatic necrosis and occlusion of the lobular and sublobular veins. Epidemiological studies suggested its endemic character and its strong association with a food toxin. The staple millet—Panicum miliare, was found to be contaminated with seeds of Crotalaria species. Chemical analysis of the contaminating weed seeds showed the presence of hepatotoxic alkaloids of the monocrotaline type. On the basis of available evidence, it appears that the ingestion of the contaminating weed of Crotalaria species is causally related to the outbreak of the disease. Some suitable methods of control at the agricultural and household levels have been suggeste.