Abstract
Mosquito coil is a vector control option used to prevent malaria in low income counties, while some studies have addressed this issue, additional reseach is required to increase knowledge on the adverse health effects caused by the prolonged use of coils. In this study we investigated the toxicological effects of fumes from two locally manufactured mosquito coil insecticides (with pyrethroids: transfluthrin and d-allethrin as active ingredients) on male albino rats. For this, we recorded the haematological and biochemical indices, and made histopathology and mutagenicity evaluations in rats exposed to mosquito fumes during 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 week periods. Haematological determination was performed using automated hematology analyzer to determine White Blood Cell (WBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC) and Platelet (PLT) counts, while biochemical evaluations were determined using available commercial kits. Gross histopathological changes were studied for the kidney, liver and lungs in sacrificed rats. The rat sperm head abnormalities assessment was used to evaluate mutagenicity. Mosquito coil fumes produced significant increase (P < 0.05) in the levels of total protein, total albumin and bilirubin, when animals were exposed from two weeks to 16 weeks with transfluthrin. Similarly, elevation in the activities of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and alanine phosphatase, increased significantly in both insecticides. Increase in WBC, RBC and PCV were recorded for all the exposure periods, however PLT count showed no significant increase (P > 0.05). Mutagenicity assessment revealed sperm abnormality was statistically significant (P < 0.05) compared with the control at 8, 12 and 16 weeks post exposure to transfluthrin. Histological studies revealed severe lung damage evidenced by interstitial accumulations, pulmonary oedema and emphysema in exposed rats. Intracellular accumulations and severe sinusoidal congestion of liver cells were observed from 12 weeks exposure, indicating liver damage. Our studies indicate that mosquito coil fumes do initiate gradual damage to the host. These pathological effects must be taken into consideration by the malaria control program, particularly when regulating their long term and indoor usage.
Highlights
Malaria is a public health problem in many countries of the world especially in tropical and subtropical regions
Red Blood Cell (RBC) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) increased in all groups exposed to mosquito coil smoke and was observed to be significant (p0.05) for 12 and 16 weeks when compared with the control for rats exposed to transfluthrin
White Blood Cell (WBC) counts increased in all the exposed groups when compared with control groups, and was not significant for all groups of rats exposed to transfluthrin (p>0.05), but significant (p
Summary
Malaria is a public health problem in many countries of the world especially in tropical and subtropical regions. An 85% of estimated annual 225 million cases of malaria worldwide are caused by Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, and are recorded within the African region It accounts for approximately one million deaths annually and 89% of the malaria death occurring in Africa South of the Sahara (WHO 2010). The methods employed in the control of malaria are solely based on the administration of antimalarial drugs and vector control which include utilization of Insecticide Treated Net (ITN), Long lasting Insecticide mosquito Nets (LLIN) and Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Long term exposure to mosquito coil smoke has been demonstrated by some workers to induce asthma and persistent sneezing in children (Azizi & Henry 1991, Fagbule & Ekanem 1994, Koo & Ho 1994)
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