Nodding syndrome, populations at risk need to be aware this is a preventable condition

Article Microbiology

Nodding Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics, Risks Factors, Access to Treatment, and Perceptions in the Greater Mundri Area, South Sudan

Gasim O. E. Abd-Elfarag et al.

Summary: A house-to-house survey in South Sudan investigated the clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment access, and perceptions about nodding syndrome (NS). The survey identified 224 cases of NS, with head nodding plus other types of seizures being more common. Rat meat consumption was associated with an increased risk of NS, while ivermectin intake was more common among NS cases. Importantly, children with NS are stigmatized due to misconceptions about its transmission.

PATHOGENS (2023)

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Article Infectious Diseases

Nodding syndrome, a case-control study in Mahenge, Tanzania: Onchocerca volvulus and not Mansonella perstans as a risk factor

Luis-Jorge Amaral et al.

Summary: Epidemiological studies suggest that onchocerciasis may be one of the causes of nodding syndrome (NS), but other causes have been considered. A study in Mahenge found that a probable Mansonella perstans infection was associated with a higher epilepsy rate, but onchocerciasis and onchocerciasis-associated skin lesions were stronger risk factors. Therefore, onchocerciasis remains the most likely main risk factor for NS.

PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES (2023)

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Article Infectious Diseases

The onchocerciasis hypothesis of nodding syndrome

Robert Colebunders et al.

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.

PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES (2023)

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Article Clinical Neurology

Parasitic, bacterial, viral, immune-mediated, metabolic and nutritional factors associated with nodding syndrome

Arthur W. D. Edridge et al.

Summary: Nodding syndrome is a neglected, disabling and potentially fatal epileptic disorder that primarily affects individuals in Eastern sub-Saharan Africa. Our study suggests that Mansonella perstans infection, Necator americanus infection, higher antimalarial seroreactivity, higher vitamin E concentration, and lower vitamin B12 concentration are associated with an increased risk of nodding syndrome.

BRAIN COMMUNICATIONS (2023)

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Article Behavioral Sciences

Community perception of epilepsy and its treatment in onchocerciasis-endemic villages of Maridi county, western equatoria state, South Sudan

Stephen Raimon Jada et al.

Summary: This study examines the community's perception of epilepsy and its treatment in onchocerciasis-endemic villages in Maridi County, South Sudan. The findings reveal misconceptions about the causes and treatment of epilepsy, as well as stigma towards individuals with epilepsy. Establishing a comprehensive epilepsy treatment program and educating the community about the link between onchocerciasis and epilepsy are necessary.

EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR (2022)

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Article Immunology