Some Nephrotoxic Effects of Commonly Used Mosquito Repellents in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract: Mosquito repellents are used extensively in Nigeria to prevent mosquito and diseases associated with them. Most active constituents of repellents are well known for their toxicities. The purpose of this study was to determine the nephrotoxic effects of Rambo and Sharp mosquito repellents commonly used in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Exposure of 27 Wistar rats to Rambo and Sharp mosquito repellents for 5 min per day over a period of 21 days induced interstitial haemorrhage, glomerular and tubular degenerations. Glomerular damage is characterized by shrunken glomeruli and widening of bowman space. Sharp repellent containing 70% dichlorvos was the most injurious insecticide. Therefore, repeated exposures to mosquito repellents are deleterious to the kidney.