Epileptogenesis in Common Parasitic Infections

AbstractPurpose of the reviewNeurocysticercosis (NCC) has been well recognized as a leading cause of epilepsy.  More recently, studies of other parasitic diseases such as cerebral malaria (CM) and onchocerciasis are yielding novel insights into the pathogenesis of parasite-associated epilepsy. We compare the clinical and electrophysiological findings in epilepsy associated with these highly prevalent para sites and discuss the mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis.Recent FindingsElectrophysiological and imaging biomarkers continue to emerge, and individuals who are at-risk of developing parasite-associated epilepsies are being identified with greater reliability. While both  Taenia solium andPlasmodium falciparum directly affect the brain parenchyma,Onchocerca volvulus is not known to invade the central nervous system. Thus, the causal association between O. volvulus and epilepsy remains controversial.SummaryBoth NCC and CM have a well-defined acute phase when the parasites directly or indirectly invade the brain parenchyma and lead to local inflammatory changes. This is followed by a chronic phase marked by recurrent seizures. However, these stages of epileptogenic process  have not been identified in the case ofO. volvulus.
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research