title: Epilepsy genetics in Africa: challenges and future perspectives.
abstract: Despite the diversity of the African population, genetic studies, of epilepsy in particular, have been limited, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In recent years, with the regression of infectious diseases in developing countries, the focus has shifted more towards non communicable disorders. The prevalence of epilepsy in Africa is higher compared to other continents. Although this has been attributed to the high rate of infectious diseases, genetic contributions should not be ignored. Research in genetic epilepsy in Africa could well benefit from the decreasing cost of genetic analysis, and could contribute to further our knowledge on the spectrum of these diseases in Africa. The growing collaboration between African research institutions and those of developed countries offers a unique opportunity to boost research in Africa and improve our global understanding of human disease, thus leading to the development of better therapeutic approaches.
authors.affiliation: Service de Neurologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire du Point "G", Bamako, (Mali).
authors.forename: Guida
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Landouré
authors.affiliation: Service de Neurologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Gabriel Touré, Bamako, (Mali).
authors.forename: Youssoufa
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Maiga
authors.affiliation: Manitoba Institute of cell Biology, Winnipeg, (Canada).
authors.forename: Oumar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Samassékou
authors.affiliation: Clinique Dinandougou, Marakakoungo, Koulikoro, (Mali).
authors.forename: Karamoko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nimaga
authors.affiliation: Service de Cytogénétique et de Biologie Reproductive, INRSP, Bamako, (Mali).
authors.forename: Mahamadou
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Traoré
authors.affiliation: Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, (USA).
authors.forename: Kenneth H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Fischbeck
keywords: Africa; Epilepsy; Genetics