BLOOD ACETYL CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION AMONG WORKERS EXPOSED TO FENTHION DURING AVIAN PEST CONTROLS IN THE SAHEL REGION OF BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA

Dissinviel Stéphane Kpoda*, Adam Patrice Soubeiga, Elie Kabré, Daouda Doulougou 
Pane Bernadette Ouattara – Sourabié and Maxime Koiné Drabo

ABSTRACT

Fenthion is the main avicide used to control the red-billed quelea by spraying their roots. However, fenthion is highly toxic to non-targeted organisms. The main study objective was to evaluate the activity of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and hematological parameters (hemoglobin level: Hb) among the DPVC workers who used fenthion as an organophosphorus (OP) pesticides to control invasion of red-billed quelea in the Sahelian region of Burkina Faso. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and hemoglobin were evaluated as biomarkers exposure to OP by using kinetic method of Ellman. Then, the results of exposed group were compared with the unexposed one. Data showed significant difference in AChE activities between the two groups (P<0.001).Similarly, hematological parameter including Hb levels tested revealed significant statistical difference in the means of the two group (P=0.001). Nineteen applicators had high inhibition for cholinesterase activity in whole blood compared to the control group. The study raised a serious need of regular training of workers in how to efficiently use the equipments provided and also in what to do in case of accident.

Keywords: red-billed quelea, AChE, organophosphorus pesticides, Burkina.