Poisoning caused by organophosphates (OP) is a public health problem in parts of the world where they are widely used in pesticides. The commonly misused organophosphates in Kenya include dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, diazinon and chlorfenvinfos. They have become one of the most effective means to end life in rural areas of developing nations. According to WHO, there are over 3 million annual incidences of organophosphate poisoning, 15% of which end in death.
Organophosphates form a stable irreversible covalent bond with acetylcholinesterase enzyme which is involved in signal transduction across synapses including postganglionic parasympathetic junctions (sites of muscarinic activity), autonomic ganglia . . .
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