Saint Laurent Du Maroni

Peripheral neuropathies (PN) affect about 1% of people worldwide, especially older adults, causing walking difficulties and chronic pain that greatly reduce quality of life. However, 20-30% of PN cases have no clear cause. In French Guiana, researchers believe that local factors like the use of traditional plant remedies that may harm nerves, outbreaks of arboviral infections such as Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue, and exposure to mercury from illegal gold mining might contribute to these unexplained cases or worsen existing nerve problems like diabetic neuropathy. This study is a prospective multicenter case-control design conducted in hospitals in Cayenne and Saint-Laurent du Maroni. Participants include patients diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (case group) and patients without peripheral neuropathy hospitalized or consulting at the same hospitals (control group). At the start, blood samples will be taken to test for arbovirus antibodies and measure heavy metals like mercury and lead. Urine and hair samples will also be collected to analyze heavy metal exposure. Participants will complete a questionnaire about their use of traditional plant remedies. There is no ongoing follow-up as part of this research. Participants will be evaluated at inclusion for exposure to arboviruses, heavy metals, and plant consumption to explore their association with peripheral neuropathies. Researchers will compare exposure rates between cases and controls. The study does not involve further monitoring or treatment interventions. Total participation involves a one-time visit for sample collection and questionnaire completion.