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Siewe Fodjo JN, Jada SR, Taban A, Bebe J, Yak Bol Y, Carter JY, Colebunders R. Epidemiology of epilepsy in Wulu County, an onchocerciasis-endemic area in South Sudan. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37537. [PMID: 39309807 PMCID: PMC11415701 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We sought to investigate the epidemiology of epilepsy in Wulu County (Lakes State, South Sudan), and document the onchocerciasis transmission status in the study villages. Methods In February 2024, a community-based epilepsy study was conducted Wulu County and participants were surveyed via a door-to-door approach in five villages, namely: Kombi, Makundi Center, Tonjo, War-Pac, and Woko. All village residents were asked about ivermectin intake during the 2023 round of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). In addition, children aged 3-9 years were tested for Ov16 antibodies using a rapid diagnostic test. Epilepsy diagnosis in screened individuals was confirmed by a physician. Results We surveyed 1355 persons in the five study sites. The overall CDTI coverage in 2023 was 67.4 %. Fifty-five persons with epilepsy (PWE) were identified (prevalence 4.1 %) and a history of nodding seizures was noted in 11/55 (20 %) PWE. The mean age of PWE was 21.5 ± 9.6 years, with 32 (58.2 %) being males. Epilepsy onset frequently occurred under 5 years of age (38.6 % of cases). In two PWE, seizure onset occurred during the past 12 months (annual incidence: 147.6 per 100,000 persons). Twenty-nine PWE (52.7 %) were taking anti-seizure medicines, but only five were taking them daily. Overall, Ov16 seroprevalence in children aged 3-9 years (n = 119) was 15.1 % and differed across villages, peaking at 30.9 % in Woko village where epilepsy prevalence was also highest (7.1 %). Of the 35 recorded deaths during the past two years, 9 (25.7 %) occurred in PWE. Annual estimates for epilepsy mortality and fatality rates were 323.7 per 100,000 persons and 7031.3 per 100,000 PWE, respectively. Conclusion High epilepsy prevalence was found in Wulu, particularly in villages with persistent onchocerciasis transmission. Frequent epilepsy onset among under-fives suggests that perinatal/early childhood etiologies are common. Appropriate measures should be instituted to prevent and treat epilepsy in Wulu villages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abraham Taban
- Wulu County Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, South Sudan
| | - John Bebe
- Amref Health Africa, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Yak Yak Bol
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | | | - Robert Colebunders
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Diseases, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Bhwana D, Siewe Fodjo JN, Amaral LJ, Vandevenne L, Francis F, Challe DP, Mmbando BP, Colebunders R. Disability assessment among persons with epilepsy in Mahenge, an onchocerciasis-endemic area in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 146:109367. [PMID: 37523798 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A high prevalence of epilepsy has been observed in the onchocerciasis-endemic focus of Mahenge, Tanzania. This study sought to assess the degree of disability experienced by persons with epilepsy (PWE) in Mahenge and identify associations with sociodemographic and clinical features. METHOD This cross-sectional study was conducted in Mahenge, Tanzania, between February and July 2020. PWE were recruited from the Mahenge epilepsy clinic and four neighbouring rural villages (Mdindo, Mzogezi, Mzelezi and Sali). Data were collected using the 36-item version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) questionnaire for adults. For children aged 5-17 years, we used the Module on Child Functioning developed by UNICEF and the Washington Group. Questionnaires were administered by trained research assistants. Descriptive statistics were performed, and multivariable analyses (gamma and logistic regressions) were conducted. RESULTS A total of 321 adults (45.5% males) and 48 children (55.3% males) with epilepsy participated. The overall median WHODAS 2.0 score was 4.8% (IQR: 0.9-18.9). The most affected disability domain was 'participating in the society' (median score: 12.5%, IQR: 0-29.2). Fifteen (31.3%) of the children with epilepsy had a disability in at least one domain of the child functioning module, with the 'accepting change' domain harbouring the highest proportion of disabled children (12.5%). Higher seizure frequency and longer epilepsy duration were associated with more disability. CONCLUSION PWE in Mahenge experience variable degrees of disability. The affected domains indicate the need for societal rehabilitation of PWE in various community and/or social activities. Peer-support groups were instituted at the study sites to address these needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Bhwana
- National Institute of Medical Research, Tanga, P.O Box 5004, Tanzania.
| | | | - Luís-Jorge Amaral
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Lauren Vandevenne
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute of Medical Research, Tanga, P.O Box 5004, Tanzania.
| | - Daniel P Challe
- National Institute of Medical Research, Tanga, P.O Box 5004, Tanzania.
| | - Bruno P Mmbando
- National Institute of Medical Research, Tanga, P.O Box 5004, Tanzania.
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Ngarka L, Siewe Fodjo JN, Ambomatei C, Njamnshi WY, Taryunyu Njamnshi JN, Nfor LN, Mengnjo MK, Njamnshi AK. Epidemiology of epilepsy and relationship with onchocerciasis prevalence in villages of the Ntui Health District of Cameroon. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 142:109184. [PMID: 36972641 PMCID: PMC7614422 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A strong association between epilepsy and onchocerciasis endemicity has been reported. We sought to document the epidemiology of epilepsy in onchocerciasis-endemic villages of the Ntui Health District in Cameroon and investigate how this relates to the prevalence of onchocerciasis. METHODS In March 2022, door-to-door epilepsy surveys were conducted in four villages (Essougli, Nachtigal, Ndjame, and Ndowe). Ivermectin intake during the 2021 session of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) was investigated in all participating village residents. Persons with epilepsy (PWE) were identified through a two-step approach: administration of a 5-item epilepsy screening questionnaire followed by clinical confirmation by a neurologist. Epilepsy findings were analyzed together with onchocerciasis epidemiological data previously obtained in the study villages. RESULTS We surveyed 1663 persons in the four study villages. The 2021 CDTI coverage for all study sites was 50.9%. Overall, 67 PWE were identified (prevalence of 4.0% (IQR: 3.2-5.1) with one new-onset case during the past 12 months (annual incidence of 60.1 per 100,000 persons). The median age of PWE was 32 years (IQR: 25-40), with 41 (61.2%) being females. The majority (78.3%) of PWE met the previously published criteria for onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE). Persons with a history of nodding seizures were found in all villages and represented 19.4% of the 67 PWE. Epilepsy prevalence was positively correlated with onchocerciasis prevalence (Spearman Rho = 0.949, p = 0.051). Meanwhile, an inverse relationship was observed between distance from the Sanaga river (blackfly breeding site) and the prevalence of both epilepsy and onchocerciasis. CONCLUSION The high epilepsy prevalence in Ntui appears to be driven by onchocerciasis. It is likely that decades of CDTI have likely contributed to a gradual decrease in epilepsy incidence, as only one new case occurred in the past year. Therefore, more effective elimination measures are urgently needed in such endemic areas to curb the OAE burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Ngarka
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Neurology Department, Central Hospital Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Division of Operational Research in Health, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | | | - Wepnyu Yembe Njamnshi
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Division of Operational Research in Health, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | | | - Leonard N Nfor
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Neurology Department, Central Hospital Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Michel K Mengnjo
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Neurology Department, Central Hospital Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Alfred K Njamnshi
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Neurology Department, Central Hospital Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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Alizadeh Khatir A, Sepidarkish M, Daryabari Y, Taghipour A, Mollalo A, Aghapour S, Rostami A. Malaria infection and the risk of epilepsy: a meta-analysis. Parasitology 2023; 150:1-9. [PMID: 36705577 PMCID: PMC10090621 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy, a chronic disease of the central nervous system, is highly prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. Therefore, several studies have evaluated the associations between malaria infection and epilepsy development. A meta-analysis of observational studies published from inception to 10 May 2022 has been conducted to synthesize and pool the existing data on this topic. The relevant publications were systematically searched in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science database collections. A random-effects meta-analysis model (REM) was utilized to generate the pooled odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The between-studies heterogeneity was assessed with I2, as well as several subgroups, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. Overall, 17 eligible studies containing 6285 cases and 13 909 healthy controls were included. The REM showed a significant positive association between malaria infection and epilepsy development (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.44–3.88). In subgroup analyses, significant positive associations were observed in studies that: epilepsy was the outcome in the follow-up of patients with cerebral malaria (OR 7.10; 95% CI 3.50–14.38); used blood smear to diagnose malaria (OR 4.80; 95% CI 2.36–9.77); included only children (OR 3.92; 95% CI 1.81–8.50); published before 2010 (OR 6.39; 95% CI 4.25–9.62). Our findings indicated that patients with malaria, especially those with cerebral malaria, are at a high risk of epilepsy development; however, further well-designed and controlled studies are needed to verify the strength of the association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alizadeh Khatir
- Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Yasaman Daryabari
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Mollalo
- Department of Public Health and Prevention Science, School of Health Sciences, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, Ohio, USA
| | - Saeed Aghapour
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Wu Y, Duffey M, Alex SE, Suarez-Reyes C, Clark EH, Weatherhead JE. The role of helminths in the development of non-communicable diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:941977. [PMID: 36119098 PMCID: PMC9473640 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.941977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, and neuropsychiatric diseases cause significant global morbidity and mortality which disproportionately affect those living in low resource regions including low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In order to reduce NCD morbidity and mortality in LMIC it is imperative to understand risk factors associated with the development of NCDs. Certain infections are known risk factors for many NCDs. Several parasitic helminth infections, which occur most commonly in LMICs, have been identified as potential drivers of NCDs in parasite-endemic regions. Though understudied, the impact of helminth infections on the development of NCDs is likely related to helminth-specific factors, including species, developmental stage and disease burden. Mechanical and chemical damage induced by the helminth in combination with pathologic host immune responses contribute to the long-term inflammation that increases risk for NCD development. Robust studies from animal models and human clinical trials are needed to understand the immunologic mechanisms of helminth-induced NCDs. Understanding the complex connection between helminths and NCDs will aid in targeted public health programs to reduce helminth-induced NCDs and reduce the high rates of morbidity that affects millions of people living in parasite-endemic, LMICs globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Megan Duffey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Saira Elizabeth Alex
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Charlie Suarez-Reyes
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eva H. Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jill E. Weatherhead
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Jill E. Weatherhead,
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Ngarka L, Siewe Fodjo JN, Aly E, Masocha W, Njamnshi AK. The Interplay Between Neuroinfections, the Immune System and Neurological Disorders: A Focus on Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 12:803475. [PMID: 35095888 PMCID: PMC8792387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.803475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders related to neuroinfections are highly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), constituting a major cause of disability and economic burden for patients and society. These include epilepsy, dementia, motor neuron diseases, headache disorders, sleep disorders, and peripheral neuropathy. The highest prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is in SSA. Consequently, there is a high prevalence of neurological disorders associated with HIV infection such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, motor disorders, chronic headaches, and peripheral neuropathy in the region. The pathogenesis of these neurological disorders involves the direct role of the virus, some antiretroviral treatments, and the dysregulated immune system. Furthermore, the high prevalence of epilepsy in SSA (mainly due to perinatal causes) is exacerbated by infections such as toxoplasmosis, neurocysticercosis, onchocerciasis, malaria, bacterial meningitis, tuberculosis, and the immune reactions they elicit. Sleep disorders are another common problem in the region and have been associated with infectious diseases such as human African trypanosomiasis and HIV and involve the activation of the immune system. While most headache disorders are due to benign primary headaches, some secondary headaches are caused by infections (meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess). HIV and neurosyphilis, both common in SSA, can trigger long-standing immune activation in the central nervous system (CNS) potentially resulting in dementia. Despite the progress achieved in preventing diseases from the poliovirus and retroviruses, these microbes may cause motor neuron diseases in SSA. The immune mechanisms involved in these neurological disorders include increased cytokine levels, immune cells infiltration into the CNS, and autoantibodies. This review focuses on the major neurological disorders relevant to Africa and neuroinfections highly prevalent in SSA, describes the interplay between neuroinfections, immune system, neuroinflammation, and neurological disorders, and how understanding this can be exploited for the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Ngarka
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Neurology, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Esraa Aly
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Alfred K. Njamnshi
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Neurology, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Devi KR, Borbora D, Upadhyay N, Goswami D, Rajguru SK, Narain K. Neurocysticercosis in patients with active epilepsy in the tea garden community of Assam, Northeast India. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7433. [PMID: 33795818 PMCID: PMC8016991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86823-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is a significant cause of epilepsy in the tropics. The present cross-sectional survey was conducted in the socioeconomically backward tea garden community of Assam to gauge the prevalence of neurocysticercosis in patients with active epilepsy and to determine the associated risk factors. In a door to door survey, a total of 1028 individuals from every fifth household of the study Teagarden were enrolled to identify self-reported seizure cases, followed by a neurological examination to confirm the diagnosis of active epilepsy. Patients with active epilepsy underwent clinical, epidemiological, neuroimaging (contrast-enhanced computerized tomography) and immunological evaluations to establish the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. Clinically confirmed 53 (5.16%) active epilepsy were identified; 45 agreed to further assessment for neurocysticercosis and 19 (42.2%) cases fulfilled either definitive or probable diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis. Patients with epilepsy due to neurocysticercosis were more likely to suffer from taeniasis (20.0% vs 0.0%), rear pigs (57.9% vs 15.4%) or have pigs in their neighbourhood (78.9% vs 53.8%) relative to epileptic patients without neurocysticercosis. Rearing pigs (aOR 14.35, 95% CI: 3.98–51.75) or having pigs in the neighbourhood (aOR 12.34, 95% CI: 2.53–60.31) were independent risk factors of neurocysticercosis. In this community, the prevalence of taeniasis (adult worm infection) was 6.6% based on microscopy. The study reports a high prevalence of active epilepsy in the tea garden community of Assam and neurocysticercosis as its primary cause. The high prevalence of taeniasis is also a significant concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rekha Devi
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, N. E. Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - Debasish Borbora
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, N. E. Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India
| | - Narayan Upadhyay
- Department of Neurology, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786002, India
| | - Dibyajyoti Goswami
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, N. E. Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - S K Rajguru
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, N. E. Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - Kanwar Narain
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, N. E. Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India.
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Potential Parasitic Causes of Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis Endemic Area in the Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030359. [PMID: 33803565 PMCID: PMC8002919 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A high burden of epilepsy is observed in Africa where parasitological infections are endemic. In 2016, in an Onchocerciasis endemic area in the Logo health zone, in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a door-to-door study showed an epilepsy prevalence of 4.6%, and 50.6% of persons with epilepsy were infected with Onchocerca volvulus. In the current study, the serum of 195 people infected with O. volvulus persons with epilepsy were tested to determine the proportion of co-infections with Taenia solium, Toxocara canis and Strongyloides. These proportions were, respectively, 8.2, 18.5 and 12.8%. Persons with a T. solium co-infection were older than those without co-infection (p = 0.021). In six (37.5%) of the T. solium co-infected persons, the first seizures appeared after the age of 30 years compared to three (2.1%) persons without a co-infection (p < 0.0001). Our study suggests that an O. volvulus infection is the main parasitic cause of epilepsy in the Ituri province, but in some persons, mainly in those with late onset epilepsy and with focal seizures, the epilepsy may be caused by neurocysticercosis. As the population in the area rears pigs, activities to limit T. solium transmission should be implemented.
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Mbiydzenyuy NE, Pieme CA, Brown RE, Nguemeni C. Neuroscience education and research in Cameroon: Current status and future direction. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 10:216-224. [PMID: 34179870 PMCID: PMC8211920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders comprise 20% of hospital admissions in Cameroon. The burden of neurological disorders is increasing, especially in children and the elderly. However, there are very few neurologists, psychiatrists, gerontologists and neuropsychologists trained in the treatment of neurological disorders in Cameroon and there are very few facilities for training in basic and clinical neuroscience. Although non-governmental organizations such as the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), International Society of Neurochemistry (ISN), and Teaching and Research in Natural Sciences for Development (TReND) in Africa have stepped in to provide short training courses and workshops in neuroscience, these are neither sufficient to train African neuroscientists nor to build the capacity to train neuroscience researchers and clinicians. There has also been little support from universities and the government for such training. While some participants of these schools have managed to form collaborations with foreign researchers and have been invited to study abroad, this does not facilitate the training of neuroscientists in Cameroon. Moreover, the research infrastructure for training in neuroscience remains limited. This is reflected in the low research output from Cameroonian universities in the field. In this review, we describe the burden of neurological disorders in Cameroon and outline the outstanding efforts of local scientists to develop the discipline of neuroscience, which is still an emerging field in Cameroon. We identify key actionable steps towards the improvement of the scientific capacity in neuroscience in Cameroon: (1) develop targeted neuroscience training programs in all major universities in Cameroon; (2) implement a thriving scientific environment supported by international collaborations; (3) focus on the leadership and the mentorship of both local and senior neuroscientists; (4) develop public awareness and information of policy makers to increase governmental funding for neuroscience research. Improving scientific capacity to tackle the neurological diseases burden in Cameroon is urgent. Neuroscience schools and advocated researchers shape the future of neuroscience in Cameroon. Public-private partnerships are required for sustainable country impact of neuroscience schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy
- Department of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Carine Nguemeni
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
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Fuller AT, Almojuela A, Kaddumukasa MN, Chakraborty P, Smith PJ, Kolls BJ, Van Belleghem F, Muhumuza C, Nshemerirwe S, Kaddumukasa M, Nakasujja N, Nakku J, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Haglund MM, Koltai DC. Hospital-based epilepsy care in Uganda: A prospective study of three major public referral hospitals. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 114:107301. [PMID: 32861671 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sets out to describe the current demographics of people with epilepsy (PWE) attending hospital-based care in Uganda and the epilepsy treatment practices within three of the largest Ugandan public referral hospitals. METHODS In a six-month prospective cohort study, 626 children and adults attending epilepsy clinics at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital were enrolled. Using a study questionnaire, data were collected at baseline and at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following enrollment. Specific data surrounding individual patient demographics, clinical characteristics and severity of epilepsy, and treatment of epilepsy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were collected. RESULTS Female patients totaled to 50.8%, with a nearly equal gender distribution at each hospital. There was no statistical difference in gender or age between sites. The majority of PWE had completed primary school, with less than 15% of patients completing more than a secondary education. Seizure severity was high, with most patients having multiple seizures per week at the initial onset of epilepsy, and greater than 90% of patients reporting a loss of consciousness with seizures. The majority of patients (54.95%) also reported a developmental or learning delay. Most patients were on 1 AED (46.01%) or 2 AEDs (36.90%), with carbamazepine being the most frequently prescribed AED. There was a trend towards improved seizure severity over the follow-up period, as assessed by the corresponding Personal Impact of Epilepsy Scale (PIES) subscale. CONCLUSIONS People with epilepsy attending hospital-based care in Uganda tend to have severe forms of epilepsy requiring management with AEDs. Current hospital-based practices show a positive trend for seizure burden and quality of life of PWE in Uganda. Further interventions to improve overall access to biomedical care are required to continue to advance the management of PWE across all communities. This article is part of the Special Issue "The Intersection of Culture, Resources, and Disease: Epilepsy Care in Uganda".
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony T Fuller
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alysa Almojuela
- Section of Neurosurgery, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, GB1-820 Sherbrook Street, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - Martin N Kaddumukasa
- Department of Medicine, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Neurology Unit, Kampala, Uganda; School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Payal Chakraborty
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Patrick J Smith
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, DUMC Box 3119, Trent Drive, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brad J Kolls
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Neuroscience Medicine, 300 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Florence Van Belleghem
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Department of Medicine, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Muhumuza
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Makerere University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mulago Complex, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sylvia Nshemerirwe
- Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, P.O. Box 7017, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mark Kaddumukasa
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Juliet Nakku
- Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, P.O. Box 7017, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hill Road, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Unit, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael M Haglund
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Deborah C Koltai
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, DUMC Box 3119, Trent Drive, Durham, NC, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Durham, NC, USA.
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