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Spencer PS, Valdes Angues R, Palmer VS. Nodding syndrome: A role for environmental biotoxins that dysregulate MECP2 expression? J Neurol Sci 2024; 462:123077. [PMID: 38850769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Nodding syndrome is an epileptic encephalopathy associated with neuroinflammation and tauopathy. This initially pediatric brain disease, which has some clinical overlap with Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) Duplication Syndrome, has impacted certain impoverished East African communities coincident with local civil conflict and internal displacement, conditions that forced dependence on contaminated food and water. A potential role in Nodding syndrome for certain biotoxins (freshwater cyanotoxins plus/minus mycotoxins) with neuroinflammatory, excitotoxic, tauopathic, and MECP2-dysregulating properties, is considered here for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Gulu University School of Medicine, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Raquel Valdes Angues
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Valerie S Palmer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Gulu University School of Medicine, Gulu, Uganda
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2
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Van Cutsem G, Siewe Fodjo JN, Hadermann A, Amaral LJ, Trevisan C, Pion S, Colebunders R. Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: Charting a path forward. Seizure 2024:S1059-1311(24)00123-7. [PMID: 38677953 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review intends to inform neurologists and public health professionals about Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy (OAE), a neglected public health problem in many remote onchocerciasis-endemic areas. For epidemiological purposes, we define OAE as sudden-onset of convulsive and non-convulsive seizure types, including head nodding seizures (nodding syndrome) in a previously healthy child aged 3 to 18 years in the absence of any other obvious cause for epilepsy, all happening within an area with high ongoing Onchocerca volvulus transmission. Several OAE pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, but none has been proven yet. Recent population-based studies showed that strengthening onchocerciasis elimination programs was followed by a significant reduction in the incidence of OAE and nodding syndrome. Treating epilepsy in onchocerciasis-endemic regions is challenging. More advocacy is needed to provide uninterrupted, free access to anti-seizure medication to persons with epilepsy in these remote, impoverished areas. It is crucial todevelop policies and increase funding for the prevention and treatment of OAE to reduce the associated burden of disease, notably via the establishment of morbidity management and disability prevention programs (MMDP). Moreover, effective collaboration between onchocerciasis elimination and mental health programs is imperative to alleviate the burden of OAE. This synergy promises reciprocal advantages and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address this multifaceted challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Van Cutsem
- Department of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J N Siewe Fodjo
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Hadermann
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L-J Amaral
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - C Trevisan
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - S Pion
- Institute of Research for Sustainable Development, Montpelier, France
| | - R Colebunders
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Ligero-López J, Corbacho-Loarte MD, Antón-Berenguer V, Merino-Fernández FJ, Rubio-Muñoz JM, Valle-Borrego B. A 14-year review (2007-2020) of helminthiasis epidemiology in a hospital in Southern Madrid, Spain. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:659-671. [PMID: 38277032 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04746-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vast majority of helminth diseases remain neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), causing significant morbidity. The widespread and periodic distribution of antiparasitic drugs, remains the cornerstone for controlling these diseases. In Spain, most helminthiasis cases are imported, and suspicion and diagnosis have become increasingly important. Our primary objective is to present the epidemiological landscape of helminthiasis diagnoses within our facility, while also detailing the demographic characteristics of the affected population. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at the Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa (HUSO) from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2020, encompassing all diagnosed cases of helminthiasis during this period. Comprehensive epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological data were gathered for all diagnosed patients. The study population comprised patients receiving treatment at the HUSO, as well as those receiving treatment at the Leganés and Fuenlabrada Primary Care Units. Subsequently, descriptive and comparative statistics were performed, comparing Spanish and foreign patients. RESULTS During this period, a total of 952 patients were diagnosed with some form of helminthiasis. Among them, 495 were Spanish, and 457 were foreign. The total number of helminths identified, including patients with multiple infections, was 1,010. Significant differences were observed between Africans and Americans in terms of age distribution, with a higher prevalence among Africans in the 0-15 age range and among Americans in the 31-60 age range. Variations were noted in the distribution of helminths, with S. stercoralis significantly affecting Americans. For Spanish patients, the presence of Trichuris trichiura and S. stercoralis was significantly associated with eosinophilia, whereas among foreign patients, it was associated with Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides among others. Regarding symptoms, skin manifestations were more frequent among Spanish, while digestive were more common among foreigners. CONCLUSIONS This study offers crucial epidemiological insights into helminth infections observed over time in a Madrid hospital. Although the prevalence of helminth infections has been decreasing, there is still a need for screening and diagnosing foreign patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ligero-López
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain.
- Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, C. de San Juan Bosco, 15, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - María Dolores Corbacho-Loarte
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Disease, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramon y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Antón-Berenguer
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Jesús Merino-Fernández
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X el Sabio University, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Miguel Rubio-Muñoz
- Malaria & Parasitic Emerging Diseases Laboratory, National Microbiology Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Valle-Borrego
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X el Sabio University, Madrid, Spain
- Internal Medicine, Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain
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Moutongo Mouandza R, Mourou JR, Moutombi Ditombi B, Roger Sibi Matotou H, Ekomi B, Bouyou-Akotet MK, Mawili-Mboumba DP. Sociodemographics, Clinical Factors, and Biological Factors Associated with Loiasis in Endemic Onchocerciasis Areas in Southern Gabon. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:850-857. [PMID: 37339766 PMCID: PMC10551092 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To implement the appropriate strategies for scale-up interventions to eliminate onchocerciasis without severe adverse events, clinical and biological factors associated with loiasis were analyzed in onchocerciasis-endemic areas. Blood was collected from volunteers after examination by a physician. Detection of microfilariae and measurement of Ov16 IgG4 were performed using direct microscopic examination of blood and onchocerciasis rapid test detection, respectively. Areas with sporadic, hypoendemic, and hyperendemic onchocerciasis endemicity were found. Participants with microfilaremia were considered microfilaremic, and those without microfilaremia were seen as amicrofilaremic. Of the 471 study participants, 40.5% (n = 191) had microfilariae. Among them, Mansonella spp. was the most common (78.2%, n = 147), followed by Loa loa (41.4%, n = 79). The association between the two species represented 18.3% (n = 35). The specific immunoglobulins of Onchocerca volvulus were detected in 24.2% of participants (n = 87/359). Overall prevalence of L. loa was 16.8%. Hypermicrofilaremia was found in 3% (N = 14), and one participant had more than 30,000 microfilaremiae per milliliter. The frequency of L. loa did not vary according to the level of onchocerciasis transmission. Pruritus was the most common clinical sign (60.5%, n = 285) reported, mainly in microfilaremic participants (72.2%, n = 138/191). The prevalence of L. loa microfilaria in the study population was below the threshold at risk for the occurrence of serious side effects due to ivermectin. Clinical manifestations frequently observed could be exacerbated by microfilaremia in areas where onchocerciasis transmission is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinne Moutongo Mouandza
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Jean Romain Mourou
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Bridy Moutombi Ditombi
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Hadry Roger Sibi Matotou
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Bernadette Ekomi
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Marielle Karine Bouyou-Akotet
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Denise Patricia Mawili-Mboumba
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
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Van Cutsem G, Siewe Fodjo JN, Dekker MCJ, Amaral LJ, Njamnshi AK, Colebunders R. Case definitions for onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy and nodding syndrome: A focused review. Seizure 2023; 107:132-135. [PMID: 37023626 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) is an important but neglected public health problem in onchocerciasis-endemic areas with insufficient or inadequate onchocerciasis control. Hence, there is a need for an internationally accepted, easy-to-use epidemiological case definition of OAE to identify areas of high Onchocerca volvulus transmission and disease burden requiring treatment and prevention interventions. By including OAE as a manifestation of onchocerciasis, we will considerably improve the accuracy of the overall onchocerciasis disease burden, which is currently underestimated. Hopefully, this will lead to increased interest and funding for onchocerciasis research and control interventions, notably the implementation of more effective elimination measures and treatment and support for affected individuals and their families.
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Liu J, Zhang P, Zou Q, Liang J, Chen Y, Cai Y, Li S, Li J, Su J, Li Q. Status of epilepsy in the tropics: An overlooked perspective. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:32-45. [PMID: 36588194 PMCID: PMC9977758 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious chronic neurological diseases affecting people of all ages globally. It is characterized by recurrent seizures. About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy. Indubitably, people with epilepsy (PWE) may be without access to appropriate treatment. Many studies have examined the molecular mechanisms and clinical aspects of epilepsy; nonetheless, the treatment gap exists in some special areas. In the tropics, the specific geographical and ecological conditions and a lack of medical resources result in neglect or delay of diagnosis for PWE. Herein, we summarized the epidemiology of epilepsy in the tropics and discussed the disease burden and existing problems, aiming to offer a medical environment for patients in need and highlight the importance of reducing the epileptic disease burden in tropical countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Brain Research and Transformation, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Brain Research and Transformation, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Qin Zou
- Department of Medical Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jiantang Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Brain Research and Transformation, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yongmin Chen
- Department of Functional Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yi Cai
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Shichuo Li
- China Association Against Epilepsy, Beijing, China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Qifu Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Brain Research and Transformation, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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Hadermann A, Amaral LJ, Van Cutsem G, Siewe Fodjo JN, Colebunders R. Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: an update and future perspectives. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:126-138. [PMID: 36528471 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) is an important neglected public health problem in areas with high ongoing onchocerciasis transmission. The risk that children in such areas develop epilepsy is related to their Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial (mf) load. Before the implementation of mass treatment with ivermectin, microfilariae were detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). More recently, neither O. volvulus microfilariae nor DNA were detected in CSF or brain tissue; however, these samples were obtained years after seizure onset. It is possible that during fever-induced increased blood-brain barrier permeability, microfilariae enter the brain and, upon dying, cause an inflammatory reaction inducing seizures. Including OAE in the onchocerciasis disease burden estimation may mobilise extra resources for onchocerciasis disease elimination and treatment/care of OAE-affected persons/families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Hadermann
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Ju T, Vander Does A, Ingrasci G, Norton SA, Yosipovitch G. Tropical parasitic itch in returned travellers and immigrants from endemic areas. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:2279-2290. [PMID: 35793476 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Itch is the most common skin symptom among tropical parasitic diseases (TPD), but there are limited data about its characteristics in these conditions. In dermatology practices and travellers' health clinics in the developed world, itch is a common complaint among travellers returning from endemic areas, as well among migrants arriving from endemic areas, where they may have been exposed to TPD. Studying aspects of pruritus among TPD may lead to improvements in prompt, accurate diagnosis and management of these conditions. This review examines the major itch-inducing TPDs, including schistosomiasis, echinococcosis, onchocerciasis, scabies, cutaneous larva migrans, larva currens, African trypanosomiasis, dracunculiasis and other causes of travel associated pruritus. We focus on the link between pruritus and other symptoms, aetiology, clinical staging and therapeutic options for these parasitic illnesses. Because some tropical parasitic diseases can present with significant pruritus, we attempt to identify aspects of the pruritus that are characteristic of-or unique to-specific conditions. These diagnostic insights may help clinicians create a rational and focused differential diagnosis and help determine optimal disease management pathways. In this sense, management involves treating the individual, seeking epidemiologically linked cases, preventing recurrences or relapses, and reducing spread of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ju
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - A Vander Does
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - G Ingrasci
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - S A Norton
- Department of Dermatology and Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - G Yosipovitch
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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