Physico-chemical investigation of consumables and environmental samples to determine the causative agent of liver disease outbreak in Tahitay Koraro Woreda, Tigray.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of liver disease out break of unknown origin and of a significant morbidity and mortality with a major symptom of abdominal dropsy was reported among the inhabitants of Tsaeda--Emba village, Tahtay Koraro woreda, Tigray during mid December, 2005. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess if chemical intoxicants were the responsible agents for the outbreak in the affected locality. METHODS: The experimental approach towards the identification of the possible causative agent from the consumables and environmental samples collected from the affected village were determination of physico-chemical quality parameters and chemical analysis using instrumental and chromatographic techniques. RESULTS: The intoxicant was found to stem from the consumption of the water from the unprotected well in which pyrrolizidine containing plant, Ageratum sp, abundantly thrives. CONCLUSION: The water source was intimately linked to the outbreak of disease and, therefore, immediate intervention and preventive measures are called for.