The onchocerciasis hypothesis of nodding syndrome

Nodding syndrome (NS) is a phenotypic presentation of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE). OAE is an important public health problem in areas with high ongoing Onchocerca volvulus transmission. OAE, including NS, is preventable by strengthening onchocerciasis elimination programs. The presence of tau in OAE postmortem brains could be the consequence of neuroinflammation directly or indirectly induced by O. volvulus. Omics research is needed to investigate whether O. volvulus worms contain a neurotropic virus.

Automated summary

Nodding syndrome (NS) is a phenotype of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE). OAE is a significant public health problem in areas with high transmission of Onchocerca volvulus. Strengthening onchocerciasis elimination programs can prevent OAE, including NS. The presence of tau in OAE postmortem brains may be the result of neuroinflammation directly or indirectly induced by O. volvulus.