C-Reactive Protein for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment Response Monitoring in Children

Open Forum Infectious Diseases 2026 Open access

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Authors: Joy Githua, Jerphason Mecha, Joshua Stern, Jaclyn N Escudero, Lilian N. Njagi, L Akeyo Kijaro, Jacqueline Mirera, Wilfred Bundi Murithi, John-Stewart Grace, Elizabeth Maleche Obimbo, Videlis Nduba, Sylvia M. LaCourse
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaf816
Cited by: 1
References: 8

Abstract

Abstract C-reactive protein (CRP) was evaluated as a biomarker for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment response monitoring in 292 Kenyan children. Although diagnostic sensitivity was suboptimal (35.5%–50.0%), the median CRP level decreased during TB treatment in children with confirmed (P = .02) or unconfirmed (P < .001) TB, primarily among those with baseline CRP elevation ≥5 mg/L (40% [39 of 97]).

Fields of Study & Subjects

Tuberculosis Research and Epidemiology Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills

Publication details

Journal / source
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
13
Issue
2
Pages
ofaf816–ofaf816
Publication date
6 January 2026
Language
EN