Onchocerciasis Prevalence among Persons with Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis Hypo-Endemic Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hotterbeekx, An; Verdonck, Kristien; Mukendi, Déby; Lilo-Kalo, Jean-Roger; Lutumba, Pascal; Boelaert, Marleen; Hardy, Liselotte; Barbé, Barbara; Jacobs, Jan; Bottieau, Emmanuel; Colebunders, Robert

doi:10.3390/pathogens10040389

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…15 Subsequent studies further illustrated significantly higher epilepsy prevalence in onchocerciasis meso-and hyperendemic regions (with >20% of adults having onchocerciasis nodules), some of which are located within the DRC. 16 Colebunders et al 17 strengthened this proposed relationship by showing that onchocerciasis meets four of the eight Bradford Hill criteria for causality regarding epilepsy. Their study suggests that residing in endemic areas, early onchocerciasis infection, and genetic factors may play major roles in onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE).…”

Section: Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentationmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…A meta‐analysis of African population‐based surveys demonstrated a 0.4% increase in epilepsy prevalence for every 10% increase in onchocerciasis prevalence 15 . Subsequent studies further illustrated significantly higher epilepsy prevalence in onchocerciasis meso‐ and hyperendemic regions (with >20% of adults having onchocerciasis nodules), some of which are located within the DRC 16 . Colebunders et al 17 .…”

Section: Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Review of epilepsy care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tshimbombu,

Shin,

Thesen

et al. 2024

Epilepsia Open

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Epilepsy imposes a substantial burden on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These challenges encompass the lack of comprehensive disease surveillance, an unresolved understanding of its pathophysiology, economic barriers limiting access to essential care, the absence of epilepsy surgical capabilities, and deeply ingrained societal stigmas. Notably, the national prevalence of epilepsy remains undetermined, with research primarily concentrating on infectious factors like Onchocerca volvulus, leaving other potential causes underexplored. Most patients lack insurance, incurring out‐of‐pocket expenses that often lead them to opt for traditional medicine rather than clinical care. Social stigma, perpetuated by common misconceptions, intensifies the social isolation experienced by individuals living with epilepsy. Additionally, surgical interventions are unavailable, and the accessibility of anti‐seizure medications and healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate. Effectively tackling these interrelated challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including conducting research into region‐specific factors contributing to epilepsy, increasing healthcare funding, subsidizing the costs of treatment, deploying mobile tools for extensive screening, launching awareness campaigns to dispel myths and reduce stigma, and promoting collaborations between traditional healers and medical practitioners to enhance local understanding and epilepsy management. Despite the difficulties, significant progress can be achieved through sustained and compassionate efforts to understand and eliminate the barriers faced by epilepsy patients in the region. This review outlines essential steps for alleviating the epilepsy burden in the DRC.Plain Language summaryThere are not enough resources to treat epilepsy in the DRC. PWEs struggle with stigma and the lack of money. Many of them still use traditional medicine for treatment and hold wrong beliefs about epilepsy. That is why there is a need for more resources to make the lives of PWEs better in the DRC.

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Section: Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentationmentioning

confidence: 98%