Amitraz Poisoning: A Case Report of an Insufficient Acknowledged Poison in Nigeria

Abstract

Amitraz is a pharmacological product widely used in the veterinary setting, in the control of ectoparasites (e.g., ticks and mites), in the treatment of demodicos in dogs, cattle etc, and in the agricultural setting as a pesticide. There have been a limited number of cases of amitraz poisoning published in the literature, as it is often under-recognised and mistaken for organophosphate poisoning (OPP). So far, there has been no specific antidote for its management. However, case reports on successfully managed patients are available and may assist doctors and other medical practitioners in the management of such cases. This index case is that of an 18-year-old male secondary school leaver who ingested an unknown quantity of an amitraz containing insecticide in a suicidal attempt and was brought to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital about 3.5 hours later, following a prior visit to a clinic close to his home. He received both symptomatic and supportive treatment, recovered fully within 3 days and was discharged on the sixth day and referred to psychiatric department for further supportive management. It is pertinent to avoid misdiagnosis as it may lead to respiratory failure, necessitating the use of ventilators which are not available in a significant number of hospitals in Nigeria.