Fatal 3-Nitropropionic Acid Poisoning after Consuming Coconut Water

Emerg Infect Dis. 2021 Jan;27(1):278-280. doi: 10.3201/eid2701.202222.

Abstract

We describe the fatal course of a patient with initial symptoms of vomiting and nausea who developed symptoms of dystonia, encephalopathy, and coma. The cause of death was poisoning with 3-nitropropionic acid from coconut water spoiled with the fungus Arthrinium saccharicola. We present the clinical findings and forensic analysis.

Keywords: 3-nitropropionic acid; Arthrinium saccharicola; coconut; fungi; poisoning.

MeSH terms

  • Ascomycota
  • Cocos*
  • Humans
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Propionates*
  • Water

Substances

  • Nitro Compounds
  • Propionates
  • Water
  • 3-nitropropionic acid

Supplementary concepts

  • Arthrinium saccharicola