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Background: Distinguishing bacterial fever from other fevers is important for early treatment and the judicious use of antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of procalcitonin (PCT) in febrile adults and compare it with C reactive protein (CRP) and total leukocyte count (TLC). Methods: 70 patients were classified clinically according to severity of infection into mild (Group A 30), moderate (Group B 23) and severe (Group C 17). 30 healthy controls were taken (Group D). After a detailed clinical history, their blood collected aseptically was sent for complete hemogram, culture, biochemistry, PCT and CRP. PCT was measured by immunochromatographic method (Result Range: 2, >10ng/ml). CRP was measured by immunoturbidometry. Chisquare, ANOVA, Pearson’s Correlation were used. Results: PCT was significantly elevated with higher degrees of infection (p value < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity of PCT in Group 2 and 3 were both 100%. Group 1 had no rise in PCT proving that it is neither specific nor sensitive for mild infection. Mean CRP was significantly increased (p value |
