Dawit Abate
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Title: Ergotism in Ethiopia: Need for an ecological perspective
Biography
Biography: Dawit Abate
Abstract
Ergotism is a current health problem on many areas of the highlands. A few epidemics of ergotism in Ethiopia have been documented in the last few decades, the first one in 1979. The problem continues to date and a multi-purpose research was undertaken. Field studies showed that the problem is prevalent on highlands between 2,500-3,000 m above sea level and where barley and wild oats (Avena abyssinica) are grown as major crops. It was found that A. abyssinica is the only cereal host for the Ethiopian ergot fungus. Based on preliminary mycological studies, the fungus is a variety of Claviceps purpurea. Both gangrenous and convulsive ergotism is apparent in affected communities with symptoms typical of ergotism. The invasion of the ergot fungus and development of the sclerotium in farmers’ fields is unpredictable possibly due to climatic changes. Farmers, unfortunately, are not aware of the source and cause of the problem and the disposing factors for high prevalence and abundance of the sclerotium in their fields in certain years is unclear. It is apparent that a cocktail of toxic ergot alkaloids caused by ingestion of the sclerotium from infected oats is the cause of the problem. It will be interesting to know the quality and quantity of alkaloids present in the sclerotium. There are good reasons to anticipate new ergot alkaloids from the Ethiopian ergot fungus. To solve the problem of ergotism in Ethiopia, an ecological perspective and approach on research and intervention is required