Konzo
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Konzo (also called mantakassa) is a paralytic disease associated with eating unprocessed bitter cassava and most commonly found among women and children of East and Central Africa. It was first discovered by Trolli in 1936. Paralysis (hypertonic paraparesis) is sudden, symmetrical and permanent, but does not progress. The disease appears to result from cyanide liberated from glucosides during metabolism; processing removes this cyanogens. However, this is not the only cause, and the full etiology remains unclear. Familial clustering is observed. Epidemics typically occur in the dry season, after villagers have sustained themselves for weeks or months on bitter cassava.
"Konzo" means "bound legs" in the Yaka valley, aptly descriptive of the typical hypertonic gait of those afflicted.
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