title: Role of procalcitonin and c-reactive protein levels: a diagnostic tool in lower respiratory tract infections.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Conventional biomarkers lack sensitivity and specificity for acute pulmonary Community (PAC). Procalcitonin (PCT) has been described in the literature for its usefulness in the PAC. The aim of our work was to study the contribution of the PCT in the positive diagnosis of PAC and in the initial assessment of the severity and the interest of CRP and PCT to distinguish lung infections from tuberculous origin of the PAC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study of 100 middle-aged 45 years [16-82], admitted to our clinic for evaluation of lung opacity some of the reason for consultation. All patients with antibiotics before admission were excluded. We studied the clinical, radiological, biological and bacteriological characteristics of patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rate of PCT was significantly higher in PAC compared to TBC (p <0.001). The values of CRP and PCT were correlated to changes in the PAC. The mean values of CRP and PCT were higher for the most severe PAC and the difference was statistically significant for CRP and PCT between the two (p =0.01). The cut-off of CRP and PCT could discriminate a PAC values were 35 mg / l and 0.12 ng /ml.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PCT is a good marker for diagnosis and the prognosis of PAC. It permits  to discriminate diagnosing CAP compared to tuberculosis.
authors: Jihen
authors: J
authors: Ben Amar
authors: Haifa
authors: H
authors: Zaibi
authors: Kehna
authors: K
authors: Bouzid
authors: Saloua
authors: S
authors: Azzabi
authors: Mohamed Ali
authors: MA
authors: Bacca
authors: Besma
authors: B
authors: Dahari
authors: Hichem
authors: H
authors: Aouina
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D002116:Calcitonin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein