High CRP in blood tests may not always be a sign of infection

High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in blood tests can indicate various health issues, including rheumatic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and tissue damage, in addition to infections.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Evirgen, an Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist at Medical Point Gaziantep Hospital, stated that CRP is a protein produced by the liver and indicates an inflammatory process in the body. Evirgen emphasized that a high CRP value alone is not sufficient to diagnose an infection and must be evaluated in conjunction with the patient's general health status and symptoms.

While normal CRP levels do not completely rule out the possibility of an infection, high levels do not explain the source of the inflammation on their own. During the diagnostic process, additional tests such as blood counts, urinalysis, and imaging methods may be required, alongside symptoms like fever, cough, and abdominal pain.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evirgen warned that antibiotics used without a physician's recommendation could lead to antibiotic resistance. The expert reminded that high CRP does not always mean an infection and stated that unnecessary medication use should be avoided.