Diagnostic accuracy of serum procalcitonin versus C-reactive protein for early and late onset neonatal sepsis: A comparative study

IP International Journal of Medical Microbiology and Tropical Diseases 2026 Open access

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Authors: Manas Ranjan Mallick, Kumar Haraprasad Misra, Nilamadhaba Panda, Debasish Mishra
DOI: 10.18231/j.ijmmtd.13076.1768390305
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Background: Prompt and accurate diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is critical, but distinguishing true infection from non-infectious inflammatory conditions remains a challenge. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in neonates with suspected early-onset (EONS) and late-onset (LONS) sepsis.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 186 neonates with suspected sepsis. On admission, serum levels of PCT and CRP were measured. Blood culture was the diagnostic gold standard. Sepsis was classified as EONS (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neonatal and Maternal Infections Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment Inflammation biomarkers and pathways

Publication details

Journal / source
IP International Journal of Medical Microbiology and Tropical Diseases
Volume
12
Issue
1
Pages
146–151
Publication date
10 February 2026
Language
EN