Konzo: intoxicação crônica por compostos cianogênicos encontrados na mandioca (manihot esculenta crantz)

Abstract

Introduction: Konzo is a disease caused by intoxication by hydrocyanic acid (HCN) due to the consumption of high levels of glycoside acids found inside the cassava roots. Objective: The present study aimed to review the scientific literature on chronic intoxication caused by cyanogenic compounds found in cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz). Methods: This is an integrative review with selection of studies in the Capes Portal of Periodicals, Virtual Health Library (BVS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) databases, using the Descriptors in Health Sciences (DeCS), in Portuguese and English, from 2017 to 2022. Results: The regions with the highest number of konzo cases are those where malnutrition is high, a crucial factor for intoxication by cyanogenic compounds found in cassava. The disease occurs abruptly, affecting the upper motor neuron, causing irreversible bilateral paraparesis and cognitive damage that can affect neurological development, especially in children. Nutritional improvement and reduction of HCN levels through proper cassava processing can prevent intoxication. Conclusion: Malnutrition is a triggering factor for konzo as it affects the production of essential amino acids that are important in the detoxification process.