The role of infectious agents and of host traits in triggering the febrile seizures in children

Febrile seizures are a common and impressive pathology of early childhood. Although generally benign, febrile seizures may be associated with the development of epilepsy in a minority of cases. Particular inducing agents (viral or bacterial infections, vaccines) have been associated with the development of febrile seizures; however, an impressive amount of data underline the importance of the subject susceptibility in this pathology. Neural, inflammatory and metabolic particularities of subjects have been described in association with the development of febrile seizures. A better understanding of the involved mechanisms will generate improved outcome prediction and treatment options.