C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A protein as complementary biomarkers in differentiating viral and bacterial community-acquired pneumonia in children

CRP and SAA are effective biomarkers for distinguishing between viral and bacterial CAP in children, with CRP demonstrating independent predictive value. The combined detection of CRP and SAA, along with clinical symptoms (such as fever or wheezing), significantly enhances diagnostic specificity but requires a trade-off with reduced sensitivity. This finding provides important evidence for the early precise classification of pediatric CAP and the rational use of antibiotics, but its clinical value still needs to be validated through larger-scale multicenter studies.