Assessment of cyanide intake through consumption of cassava-based diets in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Background

Konzo is attributed to inadequate cassava processing and consumption of cassava meals with little protein, which is characterized by a neurological disorder that causes paralysis of the lower limbs. However, the exposure to cyanide in the Mwana health zone is still unknown while the prevalence of konzo is assumed to be high compared with other areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Results

The results showed that women are the most affected (56.7%), followed by young people under the age of 10 (27%), and people from low socioeconomic class at 93.4%. The prevalence of konzo in Burhinyi is 0.06%. Cyanide intake by the population of Burhinyi ranged from 26 to 271 mg/kg bw/day at the 95th percentile through consumption of cassava-based ugali. Margin of exposure was around 0.271 and 0.393 g/person/day.

Conclusion

Poor people, women, and children are more at risk for konzo disease due to a diet dominated by under processed food made from cassava. However, since 2011, the study area's konzo prevalence has remained constant.