Nutrition: lathyrism: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Nutrition: lathyrism

Sample item

A man in a rural area where khesari dal is the cheap staple develops sudden spastic weakness of both legs with no sensory loss. Which neurotoxin is responsible?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Beta-oxalyl-amino-alanine (ODAP)

Khesari dal is Lathyrus sativus, which contains the neurotoxic amino acid beta-oxalyl-amino-alanine (ODAP, or BOAA). Heavy consumption causes lathyrism, an irreversible spastic paraparesis, usually in young men, with preserved sensation. Prevention rests on reducing dependence on the pulse and on detoxification measures such as parboiling.

Option by option

  • A. Aflatoxin

    Aflatoxin from Aspergillus causes liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma.

  • B. Sanguinarine

    Sanguinarine is the toxin of argemone oil, which causes epidemic dropsy.

  • C. Hypoglycin A

    Hypoglycin A is found in unripe ackee fruit and causes severe hypoglycaemia.

  • D. Beta-oxalyl-amino-alanine (ODAP) (correct)

    Correct. ODAP in Lathyrus sativus causes spastic paraparesis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, Beta-oxalyl-amino-alanine (ODAP). Khesari dal is Lathyrus sativus, which contains the neurotoxic amino acid beta-oxalyl-amino-alanine (ODAP, or BOAA).

Why is "Aflatoxin" not the answer?

Aflatoxin from Aspergillus causes liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Why is "Sanguinarine" not the answer?

Sanguinarine is the toxin of argemone oil, which causes epidemic dropsy.

Why is "Hypoglycin A" not the answer?

Hypoglycin A is found in unripe ackee fruit and causes severe hypoglycaemia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nutrition: lathyrism in PSM. Heavy consumption causes lathyrism, an irreversible spastic paraparesis, usually in young men, with preserved sensation. Prevention rests on reducing dependence on the pulse and on detoxification measures such as parboiling.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Nutrition: lathyrism?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.