Myelitis caused by toxocara canis (larva migrans)
Sellal, F.; Picard, F.; Mutschler, V.; Marescaux, C.; Collard, M.; Magnaval, J.F.
Revue Neurologique (Paris) 148(1): 53-55
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-3787 PMID: 1604114 Document Number: 398745
A case of myelitis caused by visceral larva migrans in a young woman in France is reported. The patient suffered 2 attacks of myelitis associated with eosinophilia in blood and CSF at an interval of 4 months. During the 2nd episode, serology was positive with a larva migrans antigen. Specific anti- T. canis IgE and IgG were demonstrated in the serum and the CSF by the ELISA and Western Blot respectively. A 10-day course of thiabendazole at 1250 mg/day was ineffective but diethylcarbamazine at 150 mg/day for 21 days led to slow recovery. A neurological examination, carried out one year after the end of medication was normal. This is believed to be the 2nd recorded case of myelitis caused by visceral larva migrans.