The potential relationship between Toxocara canis infection and epilepsy in a rat model

Human toxocariasis presents in several forms, including visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans, covert toxocariasis, and neurotoxocariasis. Although several studies suggest a potential link between toxocariasis and epilepsy, this link is still debated. Additional mechanistic and experimental studies in animal models are essential for a better understanding of this association. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between neurotoxocariasis and epilepsy in an animal model. In this study, 24 male Swiss albino rats were used. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups of eight: group I (normal control), group II (received pilocarpine hydrochloride in a single dose of 400 mg/kg body), and group III (infected with Toxocara canis). Several parameters were used to evaluate the possible link between toxocariasis and epilepsy, including clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. All rats in group III exhibited motor seizures 10 to 15 days post-infection, with no significant difference noticed regarding the maximum stage of seizures when compared with group II. Our study revealed definite structural and functional changes in the brain tissue, evidenced by the recorded histopathological changes, the increased GFAP, MMP2, and TNF-α expression, and the significant disturbances in neurotransmitter profile. Furthermore, a state of oxidative stress was noticed, with a significant increase in serum IL-6 levels. Our results indicate that the migration of Toxocara canis larvae to the central nervous system can result in significant structural changes and shifts in neurotransmitter levels, both of which may play a role in the development of epilepsy. Additionally, this research underscores the importance of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in contributing to neuronal damage. These findings open avenues for future research aimed at identifying possible therapeutic targets and interventions to alleviate the neurological effects of toxocariasis.