A 48-year-old woman from Ranchi, Seta Devi, was rushed to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital due to severe kidney damage and vomiting. She confessed to consuming the raw gallbladder of a local fish, “rohu” (Labeo rohita), for three days as a diabetes remedy suggested by a local healer.
Her condition worsened with intense nausea and vomiting, leading her family to seek medical help. She was admitted to the Nephrology Department and underwent two hemodialysis treatments. A kidney biopsy showed significant inflammation, and she was treated with high-dose steroids and supportive care. Her kidney function started improving on the seventh day, and she was discharged two weeks later with normal kidney function.
In some parts of Asia, including eastern and southern India, consuming raw fish gallbladder is a common practice. It’s traditionally believed to cure various ailments, including diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, arthritis, and visual disturbances. The fish species most often implicated are the Rohu (Labeo rohita) and the Catla (Catla catla), both widely consumed in many parts of the country.
Dr. AK Bhalla, Chairman of the Department of Nephrology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, warns that the risk of kidney injury isn’t limited to these two fish species. It can also occur with the consumption of gallbladders from other fish types. He advises against consuming raw fish gallbladder to prevent potential health risks.
The bile contains a toxin called cyprinol, known to cause kidney damage in humans. Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari, a consultant in the Department of Nephrology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, recommends avoiding fish known to have high levels of bile to prevent fish-bile-associated kidney injury. He emphasises the importance of proper preparation and thorough cooking of fish to reduce toxin levels. He also advises individuals experiencing symptoms of fish bile-associated kidney injury to seek immediate medical attention. In Seta Devi’s case, timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy ensured an optimal outcome.
