A study found that a course of doxycycline can reduce the hospitalization and deaths related to nodding syndrome, a disease mainly affecting children in East Africa. Nodding syndrome is linked to infection with a parasite causing river blindness. Research showed that doxycycline can control severe seizures and reduce antibodies to the parasite. The study suggests prophylactic antibiotic treatment could decrease hospitalizations and deaths. The study emphasizes the importance of providing doxycycline to nodding syndrome patients and further research into the disease’s cause. It also recommends free access to anti-seizure medication in affected communities and intensifying efforts to identify the disease’s mechanism.
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Doxycycline shows promise in reducing deaths and seizures from nodding syndrome
