Response to: acute organo-phosphorus pesticide poisoning in North Karnataka, India: oxidative damage, haemoglobin level and total leukocyte.

The recent report on acute organo-phosphorus pesticide poisoning, oxidative damage, haemoglobin level and total leukocyte is very interesting. Hundekari et al. noted that “cholinesterase inhibition may initiate cellular dysfunction leading to acetylcholine induced oxidative damage.” This work is very useful information in clinical toxicology. However, there are many points to be considered. First, there is no control group in this report and it is not possible to tell whether the observed finding is significantly different from general population in the same area. In many rural areas in developing countries, the exposure to organophosphorus pesticide is common and the abnormal cholinesterase activity can be seen. Focusing on the present study, the question is on whether there is any underlying disease affecting haemoglobin among the subjects. It should be reminded that the hemoglobinopathy can affect haemoglobin level and show the figure of abnormal oxidative status .