Biochemical profile of populations exposed to organophosphorus pesticides in the municipality of Bingerville versus those of Port-Bouët

Pesticides are chemical or biological agents capable of destroying parasites or controlling their growth and reproduction. Long-term exposure may have adverse effects on biochemical parameters. Several parameters were analyzed, including cholinesterase and transaminase activities, and the quantification of urea and creatinine using a Cobas c 111 analyzer and a spectrophotometer. Blood samples were collected from all participants. 

The study population consisted of 30 and 34 market gardeners from the municipalities of Bingerville and Port-Bouët, respectively, and 50 control subjects of Cocody. The dominant age group (60%) was under 23 years for Port-Bouët market gardeners and the controls (46%), whereas 90% of Bingerville market gardeners were over 50 years old. Mean urea concentrations were 0.24 ± 0.05 g/L, 0.24 ± 0.02 g/L, and 0.20 ± 0.05 g/L, while creatinine levels were 8.76 ± 1.91 mg/L, 8.67 ± 1.47 mg/L, and 13.50 ± 1.80 mg/L in the controls, Bingerville, and Port-Bouët groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Mean blood glucose levels were 0.96 ± 0.11 g/L for the controls and 0.94 ± 0.18 g/L and 0.83 ± 0.14 g/L for the Bingerville and Port-Bouët market gardeners respectively. Mean values of AST and ALT activities for the controls, Bingerville, and Port-Bouët market gardeners were 29.12 ± 12.25 IU/L, 16.93 ± 7.9 IU/L, 30.75 ± 2.14 IU/L, and 29.30 ± 12.16 IU/L, 14.50 ± 9.36 IU/L, 26.25 ± 4.27 IU/L, respectively (p < 0.05). Mean cholinesterase activities were 9584.42 ± 1686.26 IU/L in controls, 7590.63 ± 1606.27 IU/L in Bingerville market gardeners, and 4249 ± 825.16 IU/L in Port-Bouët market gardeners (p < 0.05). The inhibition of cholinesterase activity reached 20% in Bingerville and 44% in Port-Bouët market gardeners. 

The results showed that all market gardeners had received training; however, only those from Bingerville applied the safety recommendations. The biochemical parameters remained within normal limits. Nevertheless, the marked inhibition of cholinesterase activity among Port-Bouët market gardeners was concerning. Continuous monitoring of these workers could help to mitigate the harmful effects of pesticide exposure.