High C-reactive protein alone indicates an acute bacterial infection.
C-reactive protein is an acute time-phase protein synthesized in the liver during an acute bacterial infection, stimulated by the body’s cytokine IL-6, and is present in trace amounts in normal humans.
C-reactive protein is most effectively stimulated by bacterial endotoxin, which is usually elevated within hours of onset and positively correlates with the severity of illness, with persistent elevation indicating ineffective treatment.
C-reactive protein values are usually high in gram-negative bacterial infections, moderately elevated in gram-positive bacterial and parasitic infections, and slightly elevated in viral infections.
If you have a laboratory test that shows a simple increase in C-reactive protein, please go to the hospital immediately and standardize the treatment under your doctor’s supervision to avoid delaying your condition.