[C-reactive protein in patients with infection]

Increase of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) may be detected 6-12 hours after infliction of tissue damage, e.g. by infection. The ability to demonstrate a CRP response seems to be universal, and immunocompromised patients have been found to respond adequately during infectious episodes. Among patients suspected of an infectious disease CRP levels up to 100 mg/l are compatible with all types of infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal). It is of note that the CRP response may be delayed for more than 12 hours even in cases with severe acute infections, and peak concentrations are often reached three days after appearance of symptoms. CRP is most reliably used for exclusion of bacterial infection: two values less than 10 mg/l and 8-12 hours apart can be taken to exclude bacterial infection.