Baseline Characterization of Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis Endemic Area of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Baseline Characterization of Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis Endemic Area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Brain Res Bull. 2018 Nov 20;: Authors: Burfeind KG, Kashama JK, Bora BK, Murchison CF, Ramos-Crawford AL, Nseka MT, Kunyu SB, Okitundu DL, Mashukano NL, Banea JM, Boivin Michael J, Mwanza JK, Mumba D, Tshala-Katumbay DD Abstract Increased epilepsy prevalence is reported in onchocerciasis (OC) endemic areas and is associated with the occurrence of distinct syndromes such as nodding disease and Nakalanga syndrome. To date, a causal relationship between OC and epilepsy is still a matter of controversy. We conducted a case-control study of participants with epilepsy and age- and gender-matched presumably healthy controls to elucidate the relationships between OC and epilepsy and explore the role of inflammation and growth factors in an OC endemic area in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Eighty-two participants with epilepsy (mean age ± SD: 23.2 ± 8.7 years) and 27 controls (mean age ± SD: 22.3 ± 12.0 years) underwent snip skin biopsies to determine Onchocerca volvulus infection status. Serum concentrations of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were measured using a Luminex Multiplex Assay kit. Children < 19 years of age underwent neurocognitive assessments using the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition (KABC-II). Overall, epilepsy was associated with OC (OR = 4.51, z = 3...
Source: Brain Research Bulletin - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Brain Res Bull Source Type: research