Exploring the Role of Onchocerciasis in Epilepsy: Insights from a Mouse Model Study

Summary Background: This study investigated the potential role of Onchocerca ochengi infection in modulating physiological and behavioral changes linked to epilepsy using a mouse model. Methods: Male and female BALB/c mice (4–6 weeks old) were surgically implanted with O. ochengi worm masses or subjected to sham surgery (control). Body weights were monitored weekly, organ weights recorded post-mortem, and worm viability assessed using the MTT assay. Behavioral assessments were conducted on days 63-66 and 121-124 to evaluate anxiety, memory, and muscle tone. Results: Test mice displayed significantly reduced body weight compared to controls (p = 0.0031). Behavioral assessments revealed increased anxiety-like behavior on day 63 (higher grooming frequency p = 0.0058) but reduced anxiety by day 121. Memory deficits were evident in the Y-maze test on day 63, but no differences were observed by day 121. Muscle strength was significantly higher in test mice on day 63 but showed no significant differences on day 121. All recovered worm masses were nonviable. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that O. ochengi infection in BALB/c mice induces significant physiological and behavioral changes over time, including reduced anxiety and early memory deficits, which may mimic neurological alterations observed in onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy. These findings provide insights into the potential mechanisms linking parasitic infection and neurological disorders and highlight the utility of this model for further studies.