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Expert review of molecular diagnostics
Published

Neurofilament light chain as a biomarker for neuronal injury in CNS infections

Authors

Lars Hagberg, Henrik Zetterberg, Magnus Gisslén

Abstract

Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2025 May 20. doi: 10.1080/14737159.2025.2509023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In this special report, we summarize studies of cerebrospinal fluid and plasma/serum biomarker neurofilament light chain (NfL) concentrations, a key structural component of myelinated axons in neuroinfections.

AREAS COVERED: The following infections were searched for in Pub Med; Neuroinfection and biomarkers, herpes simplex encephalitis and neurofilament light chain, tick-borne encephalitis and neurofilament light chain, Lyme neuroborreliosis and neurofilament light chain, bacterial meningitis and neurofilament light chain, malaria and neurofilament light chain, COVID-19 and neurofilament light chain, HIV infection and neurofilament light chain.

EXPERT OPINION: NfL can serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing disease severity and neurological complications in the acute stage of neuroinfections and can also be useful in evaluating patients with residual symptoms following acute illness.

PMID:40392201 | DOI:10.1080/14737159.2025.2509023

UK DRI Authors

Profile picture of Henrik Zetterberg

Prof Henrik Zetterberg

Group Leader

Pioneering the development of fluid biomarkers for dementia

Prof Henrik Zetterberg