Markedly elevated procalcitonin due to anaphylactic shock, a case report

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Procalcitonin (PCT) is a recognized biomarker for bacterial infections, often showing significantly elevated levels.
• PCT elevation is rare in non-bacterial conditions like viral or parasitic infections, though it can occur in trauma and autoimmune diseases.

Observation:

• A young male patient presented with an exceptionally high Procalcitonin (PCT) level.
• The patient's condition was diagnosed as anaphylaxis secondary to a helminthic (worm) infestation.

Findings:

• The study documents an extremely rare instance of markedly elevated PCT levels.
• The elevated PCT was attributed to anaphylaxis triggered by a parasitic worm infestation, not a bacterial infection.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of Procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker, suggesting it can be elevated in severe non-bacterial inflammatory responses like anaphylaxis.
• Clinicians should consider a broader differential diagnosis for high PCT levels, especially in endemic regions for parasitic infections.