Several young adults in a village of central India develop progressive spastic paraplegia with brisk knee jerks and extensor plantar responses over months. History reveals heavy consumption of Lathyrus sativus (khesari dal) as a dietary staple. The neurotoxin responsible is:
- A Beta-N-oxalylaminoalanine (ODAP) ✓
- B Sanguinarine
- C Aflatoxin B1
- D Ergot alkaloids
Correct answer: A. Beta-N-oxalylaminoalanine (ODAP)
Explanation
Neurolathyrism is a spastic paraplegia caused by ODAP (also written BOAA), the excitatory neurotoxin present in the pulse Lathyrus sativus consumed in large amounts over months. Sanguinarine causes epidemic dropsy, aflatoxin causes hepatocellular carcinoma, and ergot alkaloids cause ergotism with gangrene and convulsions. Detoxification by parboiling or steeping the dal reduces ODAP and forms the basis of prevention.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.