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Ogwang R, Vincent A, Idro R. The cause of nodding syndrome remains unknown - Authors' reply. Lancet Glob Health 2024:S2214-109X(24)00366-8. [PMID: 39341216 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00366-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rodney Ogwang
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya; College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Idro R, Ogwang R, Anguzu R, Akun P, Ningwa A, Abbo C, Giannoccaro MP, Kubofcik J, Mwaka AD, Nakamya P, Opar B, Taylor M, Nutman TB, Elliott A, Vincent A, Newton CR, Marsh K. Doxycycline for the treatment of nodding syndrome: a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e1149-e1158. [PMID: 38754459 PMCID: PMC11191365 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00102-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nodding syndrome is a poorly understood neurological disorder that predominantly occurs in Africa. We hypothesised that nodding syndrome is a neuroinflammatory disorder, induced by antibodies to Onchocerca volvulus or its Wolbachia symbiont, cross-reacting with host neuronal proteins (HNPs), and that doxycycline can be used as treatment. METHODS In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, we recruited participants from districts affected by nodding syndrome in northern Uganda. We included children and adolescents aged 8-18 years with nodding syndrome, as defined by WHO consensus criteria. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either 100 mg doxycycline daily or placebo for 6 weeks via a computer-generated schedule stratified by skin microscopy results, and all parties were masked to group assignment. Diagnoses of O volvulus and antibodies to HNPs were made using luciferase immunoprecipitation system assays and immunohistochemistry. The primary outcome was change in the proportion with antibodies to HNPs, assessed at 24 months. All participants were included in safety analyses, and surviving participants (those with samples at 24 months) were included in primary analyses. Secondary outcomes were: change in concentrations of antibodies to HNPs at 24 months compared with baseline; proportion of participants testing positive for antibodies to O volvulus-specific proteins and concentrations of Ov16 or OVOC3261 antibodies at 24 months compared with baseline; change in seizure burden, proportion achieving seizure freedom, and the proportions with interictal epileptiform discharges on the diagnostic EEG; overall quality of life; disease severity at 24 months; and incidence of all-cause adverse events, serious adverse events, and seizure-related mortality by 24 months. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02850913. FINDINGS Between Sept 1, 2016, and Aug 31, 2018, 329 children and adolescents were screened, of whom 240 were included in the study. 140 (58%) participants were boys and 100 (42%) were girls. 120 (50%) participants were allocated to receive doxycycline and 120 (50%) to receive placebo. At recruitment, the median duration of symptoms was 9 years (IQR 6-10); 232 (97%) participants had O volvulus-specific antibodies and 157 (65%) had autoantibodies to HNPs. The most common plasma autoantibodies were to human protein deglycase DJ-1 (85 [35%] participants) and leiomodin-1 (77 [32%] participants) and, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), to human DJ-1 (27 [11%] participants) and leiomodin-1 (14 [6%] participants). On immunohistochemistry, 46 (19%) participants had CSF autoantibodies to HNPs, including leiomodin-1 (26 [11%]), γ-aminobutyric acid B receptors (two [<1%]), CASPR2 (one [<1%]), or unknown targets (28 [12%]). At 24 months, 161 (72%) of 225 participants had antibodies to HNPs compared with 157 (65%) of 240 at baseline. 6 weeks of doxycycline did not affect the concentration of autoantibodies to HNPs, seizure control, disease severity, or quality of life at the 24-month follow-up but substantially decreased Ov16 antibody concentrations; the median plasma signal-to-noise Ov16 ratio was 16·4 (95% CI 6·4-38·4), compared with 27·9 (8·2-65·8; p=0·033) for placebo. 14 (6%) participants died and, other than one traffic death, all deaths were seizure-related. Acute seizure-related hospitalisations (rate ratio [RR] 0·43 [95% CI 0·20-0·94], p=0·028) and deaths (RR 0·46 [0·24-0·89], p=0·028) were significantly lower in the doxycycline group. At 24 months, 96 (84%) of 114 participants who received doxycycline tested positive for antibodies to Ov16, compared with 97 (87%) of 111 on placebo (p=0·50), and 74 (65%) participants on doxycycline tested positive for antibodies to OVOC3261, compared with 57 (51%) on placebo (p=0·039). Doxycycline was safe; there was no difference in the incidence of grade 3-5 adverse events across the two groups. INTERPRETATION Nodding syndrome is strongly associated with O volvulus and the pathogenesis is probably mediated through an O volvulus induced autoantibody response to multiple proteins. Although it did not reverse disease symptoms, doxycycline or another prophylactic antibiotic could be considered as adjunct therapy to antiseizure medication, as it might reduce fatal complications from acute seizures and status epilepticus induced by febrile infections. FUNDING Medical Research Council (UK). TRANSLATION For the Luo translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Anguzu
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pamela Akun
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Albert Ningwa
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Catherine Abbo
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria P Giannoccaro
- Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Joseph Kubofcik
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amos D Mwaka
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Mark Taylor
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alison Elliott
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charles R Newton
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Spencer PS. New clues to the elusive aetiology of nodding syndrome. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad236. [PMID: 37731902 PMCID: PMC10507742 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nodding syndrome is a paediatric epileptic encephalopathy of unknown aetiology that affects children in impoverished communities of Eastern Africa subject to internal displacement. Set in southcentral South Sudan, where nodding syndrome first surfaced circa 1990, an important new study of recent-onset cases of nodding syndrome examined parasitic, bacterial, viral, immune-mediated, metabolic and nutritional factors associated with the brain disease. Infection with the nematode Mansonella perstans, but not with Onchocerca volvulus, was the most prominent finding in nodding syndrome cases versus controls. While M. perstans is unlikely to be causal of nodding syndrome, investigation of the freshwater habitats, where insect-to-human transmission of the filarial larvae takes place, may reveal a clue as to the aetiology of this neurodegenerative disease. The culpable environmental agent(s) must be able to induce neuroinflammation and tau pathology preferentially in infants and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Spencer
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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4
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Frallonardo L, Di Gennaro F, Panico GG, Novara R, Pallara E, Cotugno S, Guido G, De Vita E, Ricciardi A, Totaro V, Camporeale M, De Iaco G, Bavaro DF, Lattanzio R, Patti G, Brindicci G, Papagni R, Pellegrino C, Santoro CR, Segala FV, Putoto G, Nicastri E, Saracino A. Onchocerciasis: Current knowledge and future goals. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.986884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Onchocerciasis, caused by infection by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus, is a neglected public health disease that affects millions of people in the endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. It is also called river blindness because the Blackflies that transmit infection breeds in rapidly flowing fresh water streams and rivers. This review features state-of-the-art data on the parasite, its endobacteria Wolbachia, the prevalence of the infection and its geographical distribution, its diagnostics, the interaction between the parasite and its host, and the pathology of Onchocerciasis. By development and optimization of the control measures, transmission by the vector has been interrupted in foci of countries in the Americas (Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Guatemala)and inSudan, followed by Onchocerciasis eliminations. The current state and future perspectives for vector control and elimination strategy are described.
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Samia P, Hassell J, Hudson J, Ahmed A, Shah J, Hammond C, Kija E, Auvin S, Wilmshurst J. Epilepsy research in Africa: A scoping review by the ILAE Pediatric Commission Research Advocacy Task Force. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2225-2241. [PMID: 35729725 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the high prevalence of epilepsy in Africa, evaluation of epilepsy research trends on the continent is lacking. Without establishing effective research, improvement in care for people with epilepsy cannot be effectively strategized or targeted. METHODS A scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature on epilepsy from Africa (1989-2019) was conducted. The aim was to understand from this what areas are well researched versus underresearched based on published epilepsy topics. RESULTS A total of 1227 publications were identified and assessed. A significant increase in publications occurred over the 30 years assessed. African author leadership was evident in most reports. Nine countries had >50 publications identified; the remaining 45 countries had <50 or no publications. Research studies were typically of lower quality (case series and observational studies). Research themes were more focused on clinical epilepsy (descriptive observational studies) and social aspects (qualitative surveys). However, there were a number of unique and strong themes, specifically for neurocysticercosis and nodding syndrome, where strong research collaborations were evident, basic science understandings were explored, and interventional models were established. SIGNIFICANCE Despite Africa being the continent with the most countries, it is lacking in the quantity, quality, and for some areas, relevance of research on epilepsy. Targeted approaches are needed to upskill the strength of research undertaken with more basic science, interventional, and randomized controlled studies. Themes of research need to promote those with unique African content but also to align with current international research areas that have impact on care delivery, such as epilepsy surgery and epilepsy genetics. For this to be possible, it is important to strengthen research hubs with collaborations that empower Africa to own its epilepsy research journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Samia
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.,Brain and Mind institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jane Hassell
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,Gertrude's Garden Children's Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jessica Hudson
- Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Azim Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jasmit Shah
- Brain and Mind institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Hammond
- Department of Child Health, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Edward Kija
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Robert Debré Hospital, Neuro Diderot, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, University of Paris, Paris, France.,University Institute of France, Paris, France
| | - Jo Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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6
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Idro R, Ogwang R, Barragan A, Raimondo JV, Masocha W. Neuroimmunology of Common Parasitic Infections in Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 13:791488. [PMID: 35222377 PMCID: PMC8866860 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.791488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections of the central nervous system are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric sequelae of these infections result from a complex interplay between the parasites and the host inflammatory response. Here we review some of the diseases caused by selected parasitic organisms known to infect the nervous system including Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei spp., and Taenia solium species. For each parasite, we describe the geographical distribution, prevalence, life cycle, and typical clinical symptoms of infection and pathogenesis. We pay particular attention to how the parasites infect the brain and the interaction between each organism and the host immune system. We describe how an understanding of these processes may guide optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to treat these disorders. Finally, we highlight current gaps in our understanding of disease pathophysiology and call for increased interrogation of these often-neglected disorders of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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7
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Gumisiriza N, Kugler M, Brusselaers N, Mubiru F, Anguzu R, Ningwa A, Ogwang R, Akun P, Mwaka AD, Abbo C, Sekibira R, Hotterbeekx A, Colebunders R, Marsh K, Idro R. Risk Factors for Nodding Syndrome and Other Forms of Epilepsy in Northern Uganda: A Case-Control Study. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111451. [PMID: 34832607 PMCID: PMC8621683 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies suggest a link between onchocerciasis and various forms of epilepsy, including nodding syndrome (NS). The aetiopathology of onchocerciasis associated epilepsy remains unknown. This case-control study investigated potential risk factors that may lead to NS and other forms of non-nodding epilepsy (OFE) in northern Uganda. We consecutively recruited 154 persons with NS (aged between 8 and 20 years), and age-frequency matched them with 154 with OFE and 154 healthy community controls. Participants’ socio-demography, medical, family, and migration histories were recorded. We tested participants for O. volvulus serum antibodies. The 154 controls were used for both OFE and NS separately to determine associations. We recruited 462 people with a median age of 15 years (IQR 14, 17); 260 (56.4%) were males. Independent risk factors associated with the development of NS were the presence of O. volvulus antibodies [aOR 8.79, 95% CI (4.15–18.65), p-value < 0.001] and preterm birth [aOR 2.54, 95% CI (1.02–6.33), p-value = 0.046]. Risk factors for developing OFE were the presence of O. volvulus antibodies [aOR 8.83, 95% CI (4.48–17.86), p-value < 0.001] and being born in the period before migration to IDP camps [aOR 4.28, 95% CI (1.20–15.15), p-value = 0.024]. In conclusion, O. volvulus seropositivity was a risk factor to develop NS and OFE; premature birth was a potential co-factor. Living in IDP camps was not a risk factor for developing NS or OFE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolbert Gumisiriza
- Department of Mental Health, Kabale University School of Medicine, Kabale P.O. Box 317, Uganda;
| | - Marina Kugler
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium; (M.K.); (N.B.); (A.H.); (R.C.)
| | - Nele Brusselaers
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium; (M.K.); (N.B.); (A.H.); (R.C.)
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frank Mubiru
- Department of Statistical methods, School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda;
| | - Ronald Anguzu
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (R.A.); (A.N.); (R.O.); (P.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.A.); (R.S.)
- Division of Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Albert Ningwa
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (R.A.); (A.N.); (R.O.); (P.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.A.); (R.S.)
- Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum Site, Kampala P.O. Box 27520, Uganda
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (R.A.); (A.N.); (R.O.); (P.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.A.); (R.S.)
- Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum Site, Kampala P.O. Box 27520, Uganda
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Coast, Kilifi P.O. Box 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Pamela Akun
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (R.A.); (A.N.); (R.O.); (P.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.A.); (R.S.)
- Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum Site, Kampala P.O. Box 27520, Uganda
| | - Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (R.A.); (A.N.); (R.O.); (P.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Catherine Abbo
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (R.A.); (A.N.); (R.O.); (P.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Rogers Sekibira
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (R.A.); (A.N.); (R.O.); (P.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.A.); (R.S.)
| | - An Hotterbeekx
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium; (M.K.); (N.B.); (A.H.); (R.C.)
| | - Robert Colebunders
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium; (M.K.); (N.B.); (A.H.); (R.C.)
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LG, UK;
| | - Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (R.A.); (A.N.); (R.O.); (P.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.A.); (R.S.)
- Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum Site, Kampala P.O. Box 27520, Uganda
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LG, UK;
- Correspondence: author: ; Tel.: +256-774274173
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8
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Ogwang R, Ningwa A, Akun P, Bangirana P, Anguzu R, Mazumder R, Salamon N, Henning OJ, Newton CR, Abbo C, Mwaka AD, Marsh K, Idro R. Epilepsy in Onchocerca volvulus Sero-Positive Patients From Northern Uganda-Clinical, EEG and Brain Imaging Features. Front Neurol 2021; 12:687281. [PMID: 34149607 PMCID: PMC8209377 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.687281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder. The incidence in sub-Saharan Africa is 2-3 times higher than that in high income countries. Infection by Onchocerca volvulus may be an underlying risk factor for the high burden and based upon epidemiological associations, has been proposed to cause a group of disorders—Onchocerca associated epilepsies (OAE) like nodding syndrome (NS). To improve our understanding of the disease spectrum, we described the clinical, electroencephalographic (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of children with epilepsy and sero-positive for Onchocerca volvulus (possible OAEs other than nodding syndrome). Twenty-nine children and adolescents with non-nodding syndrome OAE in northern Uganda were enrolled. A diagnosis of OAE was made in patients with epilepsy and seizure onset after age 3 years, no reported exposure to perinatal severe febrile illness or traumatic brain injury, no syndromic epilepsy diagnosis and a positive Ov-16 ELISA test. Detailed clinical evaluation including psychiatric, diagnostic EEG, a diagnostic brain MRI (in 10 patients) and laboratory testing were performed. Twenty participants (69%) were male. The mean age was 15.9 (standard deviation [SD] 1.9) years while the mean age at seizure onset was 9.8 (SD 2.9) years. All reported normal early childhood development. The most common clinical presentation was a tonic-clonic seizure. The median number of seizures was 2 (IQR 1–4) in the previous month. No specific musculoskeletal changes, or cranial nerve palsies were reported, neither were any vision, hearing and speech difficulties observed. The interictal EEG was abnormal in the majority with slow wave background activity in 52% (15/29) while 41% (12/29) had focal epileptiform activity. The brain MRI showed mild to moderate cerebellar atrophy and varying degrees of atrophy of the frontal, parietal and occipital lobes. The clinical spectrum of epilepsies associated with Onchocerca may be broader than previously described. In addition, focal onset tonic-clonic seizures, cortical and cerebellar atrophy may be important brain imaging and clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney Ogwang
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Coast, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda
| | - Albert Ningwa
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda
| | - Pamela Akun
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda
| | - Paul Bangirana
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Anguzu
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Division of Epidemiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Institute for Health and Equity, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Rajarshi Mazumder
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Oliver Johannes Henning
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, The National Centre for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Charles R Newton
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Coast, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Abbo
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Kevin Marsh
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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9
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Colebunders R, Njamnshi AK, Menon S, Newton CR, Hotterbeekx A, Preux PM, Hopkins A, Vaillant M, Siewe Fodjo JN. Onchocerca volvulus and epilepsy: A comprehensive review using the Bradford Hill criteria for causation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008965. [PMID: 33411705 PMCID: PMC7790236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The possibility that onchocerciasis may cause epilepsy has been suggested for a long time, but thus far, an etiological link has not been universally accepted. The objective of this review is to critically appraise the relationship between Onchocerca volvulus and epilepsy and subsequently apply the Bradford Hill criteria to further evaluate the likelihood of a causal association. METHODS PubMed and gray literature published until September 15, 2020, were searched and findings from original research were synthesized. Adherence to the 9 Bradford Hill criteria in the context of onchocerciasis and epilepsy was determined to assess whether the criteria are met to strengthen the evidence base for a causal link between infection with O. volvulus and epilepsy, including the nodding syndrome. RESULTS Onchocerciasis as a risk factor for epilepsy meets the following Bradford Hill criteria for causality: strength of the association, consistency, temporality, and biological gradient. There is weaker evidence supporting causality based on the specificity, plausibility, coherence, and analogy criteria. There is little experimental evidence. Considering the Bradford Hill criteria, available data suggest that under certain conditions (high microfilarial load, timing of infection, and perhaps genetic predisposition), onchocerciasis is likely to cause epilepsy including nodding and Nakalanga syndromes. CONCLUSION Applying the Bradford Hill criteria suggests consistent epidemiological evidence that O. volvulus infection is a trigger of epilepsy. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for seizure induction still need to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Colebunders
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Alfred K. Njamnshi
- Neurology Department, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé Cameroon
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Sonia Menon
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Charles R. Newton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - An Hotterbeekx
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pierre-Marie Preux
- Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, INSERM UMR1094, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Adrian Hopkins
- Neglected and Disabling Diseases of Poverty Consultant, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Vaillant
- Competence Center in Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
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Anguzu R, Akun P, Katairo T, Abbo C, Ningwa A, Ogwang R, Mwaka AD, Marsh K, Newton CR, Idro R. Household poverty, schooling, stigma and quality of life in adolescents with epilepsy in rural Uganda. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 114:107584. [PMID: 33248944 PMCID: PMC7613327 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy remains a leading chronic neurological disorder in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. In Uganda, the highest burden is among young rural people. We aimed to; (i) describe socio-economic status (including schooling), and household poverty in adolescents living with epilepsy (ALE) compared to unaffected counterparts in the same communities and (ii) determine the factors associated with the overall quality of life (QoL). METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey nested within a larger study of ALE compared to age-matched healthy community children in Uganda. Between Sept 2016 to Sept 2017, 154 ALE and 154 healthy community controls were consecutively recruited. Adolescents recruited were frequency and age-matched based on age categories 10-14 and 15-19 years. Clinical history and standardized assessments were conducted. One control participant had incomplete assessment and was excluded. The primary outcome was overall QoL and key variables assessed were schooling status and household poverty. Descriptive and multivariable linear regression analysis were conducted for independent associations with overall QoL. RESULTS Mean (SD) age at seizure onset was 8.8 (3.9) years and median (IQR) monthly seizure burden was 2 (1-4). Epilepsy was associated with living in homes with high household poverty; 95/154 (61.7%) ALE lived in the poorest homes compared to 68/153 (44.5%) of the healthy adolescents, p = 0.001. Nearly two-thirds of ALE had dropped out of school and only 48/154 (31.2%) were currently attending school compared to 136/153 (88.9%) of healthy controls, p < 0.001. QoL was lowest among ALE who never attended school (p < 0.001), with primary education (p = 0.006) compared to those with at least secondary education. Stigma scores [mean(SD)] were highest among ALE in the poorest [69.1(34.6)], and wealthy [70.2(32.2)] quintiles compared to their counterparts in poorer [61.8(31.7)], medium [68.0(32.7)] and wealthiest [61.5(33.3)] quintiles, though not statistically significant (p = 0.75). After adjusting for covariates, ALE currently attending school had higher overall QoL compared to their counterparts who never attended school (β = 4.20, 95%CI: 0.90,7.49, p = 0.013). QoL scores were higher among ALE with ≥secondary education than those with no or primary education (β = 10.69, 95%CI: 1.65, 19.72). CONCLUSIONS ALE in this rural area are from the poorest households, are more likely to drop out of school and have the lowest QoL. Those with poorer seizure control are most affected. ALE should be included among vulnerable population groups and in addition to schooling, strategies for seizure control and addressing the epilepsy treatment gap in affected homes should be specifically targeted in state poverty eradication programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Anguzu
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda,Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda,Institute of Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Pamela Akun
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda,Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thomas Katairo
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Catherine Abbo
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Albert Ningwa
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda,Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda,Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda,Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charles R. Newton
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme, Kilifi, Kenya,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Idro
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Centre for Tropical Neuroscience, Kampala, Uganda; Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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11
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McKenzie K, Murray A, Murray G, Martin R. The use of an impact framework to evaluate the impact of research on policy and practice: Screening questionnaires for intellectual disability. RESEARCH EVALUATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/reseval/rvaa019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
There is an increasing emphasis on the importance of research having an impact on policy and practice. This can be more difficult to evidence in intellectual disability services because of the wide range of stakeholders involved. We evaluated whether an impact questionnaire covering: knowledge production, capacity building, informing policy and practice, social and economic benefits could successfully be used to evaluate the impact of research into and use of two screening questionnaires: the Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire (LDSQ) and Child and Adolescent Intellectual Disability Screening Questionnaire (CAIDS-Q). We conducted an online search for published peer reviewed and grey literature, and Internet resources that referenced LDSQ and/or CAIDS-Q. The resultant literature and resources were assessed for relevance and organized according to the categories outlined in the impact questionnaire. Evidence was found for all the areas of impact, with the largest body of evidence being in relation to informing policy and practice and social benefits and the least for economic benefits. The impact questionnaire provided the basis for a comprehensive and useful evaluative framework to assess impact, although there was some overlap between the different categories. The process of using it highlighted some wider issues to consider when attempting to evaluate impact. The results indicated that the research underpinning the LDSQ and CAIDS-Q had resulted in significant, generally positive, and wide-reaching impact on policy and practice in intellectual disability and other services, resulting in a number of positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen McKenzie
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Aja Murray
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh,George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - George Murray
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, NHS Lothian, Morningside, EH105HF, UK
| | - Rachel Martin
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
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Dried Blood Microsampling-Based Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Antiepileptic Drugs in Children With Nodding Syndrome and Epilepsy in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ther Drug Monit 2020; 42:481-490. [DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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13
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Ongaya K, Aturinde A, Farnaghi M, Mansourian A, Maiga G, Oyo B, Bagarukayo E. Spatiotemporal Analysis of Nodding Syndrome in Northern Uganda 1990-2014. Health (London) 2020. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2020.122015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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