Diagnostic Impact of Biomarkers in Patients with Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAI) in a Tertiary Care Hospital

AimsnbspTo evaluate the baseline levels of C-reactive protein CRP Procalcitonin PCT and total leucocyte count TLC in various healthcare-associated infections HCAIs to assess their potential as diagnostic markers.MethodsnbspThis two-year retrospective study conducted in the Department of Neuromicrobiology at NIMHANS involved data analysis using Microsoft Excel to establish baseline values. Among 123 patients with HCAIs cases were calssified into Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection CAUTI Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection CLABSI Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia VAP and Surgical Site Infection SSI. Individuals without HCAIs exhibited normal levels of PCT CRP and TLC.ResultsnbspFor CAUTI 36 cases PCT 1.2 plusmn 0.5 ngmL TLC 13400 plusmn 3000 cellsmicroL CRP 62.5 plusmn 15.0 mgL. For CLABSI 21 cases PCT 14.8 plusmn 3.2 ngmL TLC 15100 plusmn 2800 cellsmicroL CRP 73.4 plusmn 12.6 mgL. For VAP 34 cases PCT 4.7 plusmn 2.5 ngmL TLC 15200 plusmn 3400 cellsmicroL CRP 105.2 plusmn 25.7 mgL. For SSI 32 cases PCT 9.3 plusmn 2.8 ngmL TLC 13500 plusmn 2600 cellsmicroL CRP 93.4 plusmn 20.2 mgL. PCT Moderate performance across all conditions. TLC Poor to moderate performance best in CAUTI and VAP. CRP Poor performance overall. Sensitivity specificity PPV NPV PCT High for CAUTI VAP and SSI moderate for CLABSI. TLC Moderate to high for CAUTI VAP and SSI moderate for CLABSI. CRP Moderate for all conditions. Combining markers and clinical assessments is recommended.ConclusionnbspProcalcitonin CRP and white blood cells are predictive diagnostic markers in HCAIs. Early clinical correlation with appropriate tests facilitates identification and treatment improving clinical outcomes.nbsp