Do Helminths Cause Epilepsy?

Overview

Journal Parasite Immunol

Publisher Wiley

Specialty Parasitology

Date 2009 Oct 15

PMID 19825109

Citations 12

Authors

R G Wagner

C R Newton

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Both helminthiases and epilepsy occur globally, and are particularly prevalent in developing regions of the world. Studies have suggested an association between epilepsy and helminth infection, but a causal relationship is not established in many helminths, except perhaps with neurocysticercosis. We review the available literature on the global burden of helminths, and the epidemiological evidence linking helminths to epilepsy. We discuss possible routes that helminths affect the central nervous system (CNS) of humans and the immunological response to helminth infection in the CNS, looking at possible mechanisms of epileptogenesis. Finally, we discuss the current gaps in knowledge about the interaction between helminths and epilepsy.

Citing Articles

Epileptogenesis in Common Parasitic Infections.

Mazumder R, Lee J Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2022; 22(4):285-291.

PMID: 35332514 PMC: 9038815. DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01187-6.

Case-Control Study to Assess the Association between Epilepsy and Infection/Exposure.

Khatir A, Sepidarkish M, Rajabalizadeh M, Moghaddam S, Aghapour S, Mehravar S Microorganisms. 2021; 9(10).

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Immune System Investigation Using Parasitic Helminths.

Douglas B, Oyesola O, Cooper M, Posey A, Tait Wojno E, Giacomin P Annu Rev Immunol. 2021; 39:639-665.

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Brain Infection in Pigs is Not Associated with Visible Lesions on Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Nicoletti A, Gomez-Puerta L, Arroyo G, Bustos J, Gonzalez A, Garcia H Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020; 103(1):273-275.

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Updated evidence of the association between toxocariasis and epilepsy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Luna J, Cicero C, Rateau G, Quattrocchi G, Marin B, Bruno E PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2018; 12(7):e0006665.

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