Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker of Neuronal Damage in Children With Malaria

• Published in: The Journal of infectious diseases Vol. 229; no. 1; pp. 183 - 188
• Main Authors: Balanza, Núria, Francis, Caroline K, Crowley, Valerie M, Weckman, Andrea M, Zhong, Kathleen, Baro, Bàrbara, Varo, Rosauro, Bassat, Quique, Kain, Kevin C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 12.01.2024
• Subjects: neuronal damage; brain injury; neurofilament light chain; biomarker; malaria
• ISSN: 0022-1899; 1537-6613; 1537-6613
• DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad373

Abstract Malaria can cause brain injury. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a biomarker of neuronal damage. Here we examined longitudinal plasma NfL levels in children aged 1–12 years with uncomplicated and severe malaria from Mozambique. NfL levels were similar in all malaria cases at hospital admission. However, levels increased over time and the increment was significantly higher in severe malaria cases with neurological manifestations (ie, coma, impaired consciousness, or repeated seizures). NfL may be useful to identify and quantify brain injury in malaria. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a biomarker of neuronal damage. We quantified plasma NfL in children with severe and uncomplicated malaria. Levels were similar at admission but increased over time. The increment was significantly higher in cases with neurological manifestations.