Down In The Mouth?

By Krystal Perez

Azinphos-methyl is a type of organophosphate pesticides common in agricultural industries. Exposure to these OPs have shown a connection between buccal microbial activity reduction which can result in health problems.  In a study conducted by Stanaway and colleagues, the group used blood samples and buccal swabs to examine the blood concentration of azinphos-methyl present. This was based on a seasonal cohort study from members of the Yakima Valley community. It was concluded that exposure to the pesticide resulted in a reduced number of oral indicators of buccal microbiota. Unfortunately, even though other testing methods were mentioned, they were not experimented on. Researchers only tested OPs based on blood samples and buccal swabs. Future research can be done to further display levels of azinphos- methyl pesticides. The importance of this research can shed light on individuals who work side by side with pesticides. This can further improve the health and safety of individuals working in the agriculture field. 

Figure 1. A visual representation comparing buccual swabbing microbes and the blood analysis pesticide detection. 

Original Article:

Stanaway IB, Wallace JC, Shojaie A, Griffith WC, Hong S, Wilder CS, Green FH, Tsai J, Knight M, Workman T, Vigoren EM, McLean JS, Thompson B, Faustman EM. 2017. Human oral buccal microbiomes are associated with farmworker status and azinphos-methyl agricultural pesticide exposure. Appl Environ Microbiol 83:e02149-16. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02149-16.