Unusual manifestations after malathion poisoning

Hum Exp Toxicol. 1994 Apr;13(4):271-4. doi: 10.1177/096032719401300409.

Abstract

We report a case of organophosphate poisoning with a commercial preparation of malathion (deliberate ingestion of Malathane Garden Spray: malathion 15% in isopropyl alcohol) in which the initial cholinergic crisis was followed by cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and renal manifestations. They occurred when erythrocyte and plasma cholinesterases were reactivating. A chemical analysis of the pesticide preparation revealed, apart from malathion itself, the presence of isopropylmalathion and O,O,S-trimethylphosphorothioate. Although pure malathion is regarded as one of the safest organophosphate insecticides, this observation underlines the possibility of severe complications after exposure to a preparation which has been stored for a long period of time.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / poisoning*
  • Female
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Humans
  • Malathion / metabolism
  • Malathion / poisoning*
  • Suicide, Attempted
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Malathion