Research Article

Non-Radioactive Therapeutic Effects of Molluscs in Non-Trachomatous Corneal Opacities (Case of Bivalves and Gastropods in the Province of Haut Katanga)

Authors: Bora Uzima Akilimali A, Shombo Djoma A, Kimba Mukanya P, Iye Abial S, Bakari Amuri S, Mbuyi Musanzayi S, Saleh Ugumba C, Kaimbo wa Kaimbo D.

DOI: 10.33425/2639-9482.1043

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Abstract

Aim: To show the effectiveness of extracts of mollusc shell powder used in the current practice of traditional practitioners in the management of non-trachomatous corneal opacities in the urban-rural population of Haut Katanga due to a shortage of grafts.

Material and Method: Randomized experimental study carried out on the urban-rural population of Haut Katanga from 2011 to 2016 in two corneal opacities therapy centers. The University Clinics of Lubumbashi (control group of patients treated with conventional drugs) and five structures of traditional practitioners (experimental group of patients treated with mollusc shells). The size of the corneal opacity was assessed at the slit lamp in the absence of OCT and the shell extracts were analyzed in the laboratory.

Results: Out of 1244 patients with corneal lesions, 281 patients had corneal opacity: 22.59%. The control group: 183 or 65.1%, the experimental group: 98 or 34.9%. The mean age of the patients was 25.2±15.9 years. Dominant male sex (57.3%). Left eye (52.7%). Visual acuity ≥ 3/10° (38.1%). Corneal blindness (58.4%), trauma (36.3%) and leukoma (deep opacity: 39.9%) and superficial opacity (60.1%). Classical medical treatment (Corticosteroid therapy: 71%, Vitamin B12: 11.5%), treatment with shell extracts (34.9%). The association was non-significant in mean age, sex and affected eye (p>0.05). From 6 to 12 months of treatment, 95.9% with good progress noted for the treatment of shells (RR=4.281; CI: [3.259-5.623]) with regression of the size of corneal opacity from the second month of treatment (p<0.000).

Conclusion: The presence of non-radioactive elements in the shells have an antibacterial, antiseptic, anticancer and antimycotic principle that allowed the regeneration of damaged corneal tissues quickly and optimally. Cyanogenic glycosides are absent in these shells.

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