@article{fdi:010072685,
  title = {{R}eport of the first international workshop on onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy},
  author = {{C}olebunders, {R}. and {M}andro, {M}. and {N}jamnshi, {A}. {K}. and {B}oussinesq, {M}ichel and {H}otterbeekx, {A}. and {K}amgno, {J}. and {O}'{N}eill, {S}. and {H}opkins, {A}. and {S}uykerbuyk, {P}. and {B}asanez, {M}. {G}. and {P}ost, {R}. {J}. and {P}edrique, {B}. and {P}reux, {P}. {M}. and {S}tolk, {W}. {A}. and {N}utman, {T}. {B}. and {I}dro, {R}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{B}ackground: {R}ecently, several epidemiological studies performed in {O}nchocerca volvulus-endemic regions have suggested that onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy ({OAE}) may constitute an important but neglected public health problem in many countries where onchocerciasis is still endemic. {M}ain text: {O}n {O}ctober 12-14th 2017, the first international workshop on onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy ({OAE}) was held in {A}ntwerp, {B}elgium. {T}he workshop was attended by 79 participants from 20 different countries. {R}ecent research findings strongly suggest that {O}. volvulus is an important contributor to epilepsy, particularly in meso-and hyperendemic areas for onchocerciasis. {I}nfection with {O}. volvulus is associated with a spectrum of epileptic seizures, mainly generalised tonic-clonic seizures but also atonic neck seizures (nodding), and stunted growth. {OAE} is characterised by an onset of seizures between the ages of 3-18 years. {M}ultidisciplinary working groups discussed topics such as how to 1) strengthen the evidence for an association between onchocerciasis and epilepsy, 2) determine the burden of disease caused by {OAE}, 3) prevent {OAE}, 4) improve the treatment/care for persons with {OAE} and affected families, 5) identify the pathophysiological mechanism of {OAE}, and 6) deal with misconceptions, stigma, discrimination and gender violence associated with {OAE}. {A}n {OAE} {A}lliance was created to increase awareness about {OAE} and its public health importance, stimulate research and disseminate research findings, and create partnerships between {OAE} researchers, communities, advocacy groups, ministries of health, non-governmental organisations, the pharmaceutical industry and funding organizations. {C}onclusions: {A}lthough the exact pathophysiological mechanism underlying {OAE} remains unknown, there is increasing evidence that by controlling and eliminating onchocerciasis, {OAE} will also disappear. {T}herefore, {OAE} constitutes an additional argument for strengthening onchocerciasis elimination efforts. {G}iven the high numbers of people with epilepsy in {O}. volvulus-endemic regions, more advocacy is urgently needed to provide anti-epileptic treatment to improve the quality of life of these individuals and their families.},
  keywords = {{O}nchocerciasis ; {E}pilepsy ; {N}odding syndrome ; {N}akalanga syndrome ; {P}revalence ; {B}urden of disease ; {A}frica ; {AFRIQUE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{I}nfectious {D}iseases of {P}overty},
  volume = {7},
  numero = {},
  pages = {art. 23 [5 p.]},
  ISSN = {2095-5162},
  year = {2018},
  DOI = {10.1186/s40249-018-0400-0},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010072685},
}