Circulatory biomarkers for microbial infections

This article explores the paradigm shift in infectious disease diagnostics from direct pathogen detection to host-response profiling. While traditional markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) are clinical staples, they lack the specificity required for precision antimicrobial stewardship. The perspective highlights the emergence of presepsin as a superior early-phase bacterial biomarker and the development of multi-parametric mRNA signatures that differentiate viral from bacterial etiologies with high sensitivity. Furthermore, the expansion into pan-microbial surveillance, incorporating fungal (BDG, Galactomannan) and protozoal (HRP2/pLDH) markers, addresses critical blind spots in empiric therapy. Despite challenges regarding cost and standardization, the integration of these circulatory biomarkers with AI-driven decision support is poised to slowly replace empiric treatment with precision stewardship. This transition enables the triangulation of infection etiology within the clinical "golden hour", ultimately improving patient outcomes and combating antibiotic resistance.