Exploring the role of onchocerciasis in epilepsy: insights from a mouse model study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examined whether Onchocerca ochengi infection can influence physiological and behavioral changes related to epilepsy using a BALB/c mouse model. METHODS: Male and female mice (4-6 weeks old) were surgically implanted with O. ochengi worm masses or underwent sham operations as controls. Body and organ weights were recorded, and worm viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Behavioral tests assessing anxiety, memory, and muscle tone were performed on days 63-66 and 121-124 post-implantation. RESULTS: Infected mice exhibited lower body weights (P=0.0031) and heightened anxiety-like behavior at day 63 (increased grooming, P=0.0058) that declined by day 121 (P=0.0541). Memory deficits were observed initially (Y-maze, P=0.0065) but resolved later (P=0.8100). Muscle strength increased at day 63 (P=0.0043) with no differences by day 121 (P = 0.2468). All retrieved worms were nonviable. CONCLUSIONS: O. ochengi infection induced transient behavioral and physiological alterations in mice, including early anxiety and memory impairment resembling features of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy. These findings support a mechanistic link between filarial infection and neurological dysfunction, validating this model for future pathophysiological studies. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study explored how Onchocerca ochengi, a parasite, affects brain function and behavior in mice, as a way to understand epilepsy linked to parasitic infections in humans. The infected mice showed weight loss, anxiety-like behavior and memory problems early on, which later improved over time. These findings may help explain how parasitic infections can contribute to neurological conditions like epilepsy.