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- Title
Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy and biomarkers.
- Authors
Colebunders, Robert; Hadermann, Amber; Njamnshi, Alfred K.; Mmbando, Bruno P.; Kamoen, Olivia; Siewe Fodjo, Joseph Nelson
- Abstract
The article discusses the issue of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) in areas where onchocerciasis elimination programs are not functioning optimally. The authors highlight the need for further research to understand the immunological processes associated with OAE. They discuss a study that examined the immune profiles of individuals with epilepsy, including nodding syndrome (NS), in Tanzania. The study found elevated eosinophil percentages and increased eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and antigen-specific IgG levels in individuals with OAE who tested positive for Onchocerca volvulus. However, the authors caution against drawing definitive conclusions from the study and emphasize the importance of distinguishing OAE from other forms of epilepsy. They also discuss the need for a simple diagnostic tool to differentiate OAE from other types of epilepsy, particularly in regions where onchocerciasis and neurocysticercosis overlap. The authors suggest that more research is needed to identify specific biomarkers for OAE and improve diagnostic tools. They also call for the establishment of an internationally accepted case definition for OAE to aid in epidemiological studies and programmatic efforts.
- Subjects
EPILEPSY; BIOMARKERS; RAPID diagnostic tests
- Publication
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2024, Vol 18, Issue 5, p1
- ISSN
1935-2727
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pntd.0011808