An Outbreak of Pellagra in the Kasese Catchment Area, Dowa, Malawi

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2017 May;96(5):1244-1247. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0423. Epub 2017 May 13.

Abstract

AbstractPellagra is a deficiency of niacin or its amino acid precursor, tryptophan, which presents with the classic four Ds: the characteristic dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and eventually death if left untreated. The incidence of pellagra is quite rare presently because of increased awareness and strategies such as vitamin fortification. However, the deficiency is still present in cultures that rely on maize as their primary source of sustenance. We report a recent outbreak in a catchment area in Kasese, Malawi, of 691 cases of pellagra which were successfully treated with niacin supplementation. We present this short report to highlight the importance of educating providers of at-risk populations about this diagnosis and to consider solutions for these populations to prevent further deficiencies.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Dementia / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis / diagnosis
  • Diarrhea / diagnosis
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Malawi / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Niacin / administration & dosage*
  • Niacin / deficiency
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pellagra / diagnosis
  • Pellagra / diet therapy*
  • Pellagra / epidemiology*
  • Pellagra / metabolism

Substances

  • Niacin