CSF-CXCL13 (B-Lymphocyte Chemoattractant): diagnostic and follow-up marker in early neuroborreliosis?

Objective: Acute neuroborreliosis (NB) is diagnosed by the combined analysis of basic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters (lymphocytic pleocytosis, intrathecal synthesis of IgM and/or blood-CSF barrier dysfunction) and Borrelia antibody index. Recent studies have shown a diagnostic relevance of CXCL13 in NB. Our aim was to confirm the clinical relevance of CXCL13 in the CSF of NB patients and to evaluate CXCL13 as a putative follow-up marker in comparison to other CSF variables. Methods: CXCL13 was measured using an immunoassay in 201 CSF and serum samples. For comparison of CXCL13 levels in different neurologi…