Overview of neglected tropical diseases and conditions of the nervous system: Past, present and perspectives

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases consist of a group of infectious diseases with the unifying features of being poverty-related, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and absent from the public health agenda in wealthy countries. In the same world regions, there are “neglected conditions” which also have a negative impact on health. The nervous system involvement in neglected tropical diseases and conditions is an especially neglected field of investigation. Yet, neurological impairments in neglected tropical diseases and conditions constitute together a major category of invalidating disorders, which cause profound changes in nervous system function, often associated with severe sequels or late-onset disturbances. Here are highlighted (1) infectious diseases of the nervous system that nowadays, with the advances of vaccines and antibiotic therapy, are becoming forgotten (2), those belonging to still ravaging neglected tropical diseases, and (3) knowledge perspectives. It is time for clinical and basic neuroscience to be at the forefront and take up the fight against neglected tropical diseases and conditions, and provide means for better management of the patients.