Survey on serum acetylecholinesterase (SAChE) activity in selected farming communities at risk of organophosphate exposure, Southern Ghana

摘要

Aim ― This study aimed at providing baseline information for the first time in Ghana, on the extent of organophosphorus (OP) pesticide exposure and risk of poisoning by a qualitative estimation of serum acetylcholinesterase activity.Material and Methods ― The study was cross-sectional, involving 963 participants who consented to being screened for serum acetylcholinesterase (SAChE) activity, using the dry chemistry test strips. The SAChE activity was then categorized into normal, low or high risk of developing symptoms associated with OP poisoning.Results ― The total group included 54.5% females and 45.5% males. Majority were crop farmers (46.3%) and students/pupils (30.8%). The remaining 22.9% consisted mainly of traders, teachers, fishermen/fish processors, drivers and dressmakers. Very low SAChE activity unit of 30 U/ml. By this, a significant majority had either low or high risk of developing OP poisoning (χ2=4.43, 95%CI: 4.12–4.65, p=0.014) compared with those with normal activity. Most of the participants were in the 10–19 years age group of which 15.6% were in the high risk category, while 13.6% had low risk of OP poisoning. Reduced SAChE activity was predominant among all age groups compared with those with normal activity of the enzyme. As well, 27.3% who were females had reduced SAChE activity rate <30 U/ml (high risk of OP poisoning). Similarly, 23.4% of males were also at high risk of OP poisoning. There was however no statistical significance between the sex with regards to the numbers at risk of OP poisoning (χ2=4.80, 95% CI: 4.25–4.75, p=0.160).Conclusion ― This study provides some evidence of exposure, deduced from reduced SAChE activity, which potentially puts participants at a high risk of developing symptoms associated with OP poisoning. A follow-up study might be able to suggest to physicians in Ghana considering diagnostics of OP poisoning, especially for clients from farming communities where pesticides are used extensively.