Nodding Syndrome: a trans-disciplinary approach to identify the cause and decrease the incidence of river epilepsy (NSETHIO)

Abstract:

Nodding syndrome (NS) is a neurological, incurable syndrome, currently affecting mainly children between 5 and 15 years of age in South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania. Since 1950, when NS was first described, its cause has remained a mystery. NS is characterized by head-nodding (an atonic form of epilepsy), often followed by clonic - tonic seizures, developmental retardation and faltering growth. In the affected regions, NS is a major public health problem associated with severe socio-economic consequences. After exploratory missions to South Sudan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), we gathered epidemiological evidence that supports the hypothesis that NS is a disease caused by a pathogen transmitted by blackflies, the vectors that transmit the parasitic worm that causes onchocerciasis. We hypothesise that the same disease is also endemic in other onchocerciasis hyper-endemic regions e.g. in the Mbam valley, Cameroon and the Orientale Province, DRC (where it is referred to as “river epilepsy”). In this project we aim to investigate our hypotheses in South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon and the DRC with a trans-disciplinary approach including clinical-epidemiological, post-mortem, eco-entomological, and metagenomic studies. We will study the effect of vector control methods and ivermectin distribution on the incidence of river epilepsy. So far a multi-country study on NS was never done and nearly all previous studies were cross-sectional, carried out during short country visits. With this long term research plan we hope to finally discover the cause of NS and detect effective control strategies to decrease the incidence of epilepsy in onchocerciasis endemic areas.

Funding

EU, Horizon 2020

Budget

€ 2417000

Investigator:

Prof. Robert Colebunders

Partners:

Universitaetsklinikum Bonn, Germany

San Diego State University Foundation, United States

Period

1/10/2015 - 30/09/2020

Website

South Sudan Nodding Syndrome Study. A study into the epidemiology, aetiology and outcome of nodding syndrome in South Sudan

Abstract:

It is proposed to conduct an integrate program combining a case- control design with a detailed descriptive study using a phased approach. In the first phase a pathogen discovery programme will be applied on a limited number of NS patients and a group of controls using state of the art next generation sequencing and microarray-based methods on samples obtained from children and black flies. The focus of the second phase of the study will depend, in part, on the outcome of first phase: If a possible pathogen is identified the focus in the second phase will be on further identification of this pathogen. If no pathogen is identified, a detailed descriptive aetiology studies will be started using a case- control design and investigating all possible aetiologies previously indicated. Irrespective of the outcome of phase 1, in the second phase a surveillance study will also be started of all NS cases in the four most affected counties of South Sudan, next to a long term follow up of a selected group of NS cases and controls. This 3 years program will be conducted in close collaboration with South Sudanese, Dutch and Belgium NS and paediatric research experts and will be built on existing NS research and support activities already in place in South Sudan. Expected outcome: There is a significant chance that the true aetiology and the risk factors for NS will be identified and that the NS epidemiology in South Sudan will be clarified with respect to incidence, prevalence and disease progression. In addition, the study will create a platform for treatment intervention studies and will inform local health authorities how to improve their disease management and prevention strategies.

Funding:

Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD)
Academic Medical Centre
University of Amsterdam

Co-Applicant:

Prof. Robert Colebunders

Period:

01/01/2015 - 31/12/2017

Réduire l'épilepsie des rivières en République Démocratique du Congo

Abstract

La RD Congo et l' l'Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU) souffrent d'une grave carence du personnel compétent en recherche scientifique clinique de qualité internationale et en relève académique; surtout en pathologies infectieuses. Ce projet initial vise à créer une unité de recherche clinique à la Faculté de médecine de l'UNILU. Pour s'y faire, ce projet permettra la formation du personnel académique dans la conduite des recherches cliniques mais aussi en épidémiologie et statistiques. La formation du personnel scientifique se concrétisera par la réalisation de 7 projets de recherches sélectionnés de manière compétitive avec un sup-port adéquat de laboratoire. Les récipiendaires bénéficieront des cours ad hoc et d'un encadrement des professeurs de l'UA, de l'UNIKIN et de l'UNILU afin de pouvoir continuer avec leur projet de recherche jusqu'au niveau doctoral.

Funding(s)

VLIR-UOS

Researcher(s)

Principal investigator: Jean-Pierre Van geertruyden

Partner:

Abdon Mukalay, Université de Lubumbashi

Period

13/03/16 - 31/12/2017