Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

More recent studies have not found direct evidence of microfilariae or parasite DNA in CSF or brain tissue. Historical reports prior to community-directed ivermectin treatment found O. volvulus microfilariae in the CSF of people with onchocerciasis who did not have OAE. The first drops of CSF after lumbar puncture will not be collected, to reduce possible contamination with microfilariae from the skin. The study uses only leftover CSF remaining after clinically required hospital testing, not CSF collected solely for research. In Antwerp, CSF will be re-examined for O. volvulus biomarkers including OVRV1 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. If OVRV1 is detected, OVRV1-positive CSF samples will be seeded on human iPSC-derived neurospheroid models to assess neurotoxicity.