LAUSR

Dear Editor We read the publication on “Lack of evidence for Toxocara infection in Italian myelitis patients” with a great interest [1]. Nicoletti et al. concluded that “In this series, we found no evidence of a contribution of neurotoxocariasis to the burden of myelitis.” We would l i k e t o s h a r e i d e a s o n t h i s r e p o r t . F i r s t , neurotoxocariasis is an important infectious cause of myelitis that can be seen worldwide. The diagnosis of infection is a challenge. The lack of evidence in the report by Nicoletti et al. might reflect the actual epidemiology in Italy. Comparing to the reported seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Italy (about 8%) [2], the observed rate in the present report by Nicoletti et al. is significantly lower. It is questionable there might be some other possible explanations. There is a possibility for false result due to immunodiagnosis for toxocariasis [3]. Although it is uncommon, false negative result of immunodiagnosis is possible [4]. The cause of false negative is usually unknown but it is believed to be due to poor laboratory quality control [4]. In addition, in the endemic setting, the prozone phenomenon might be observable [5]. Compliance with ethical standards