The clinical value of procalcitonin in the identification of different infection sites and bacterial species

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the relationship between PCT and the site of infection and the type of bacteria, and to provide the basis for clinical use of antibiotics. Methods We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients diagnosed as hematogenous infection, pulmonary infection, urinary tract infection, skin and soft tissue infection in clinical departments of our hospital from June 2013 to June 2016, PCT level and bacterial culture results of the research objects within 48 h after admission were recorded, compared the differences of PCT levels among different infection sites and bacterial species. Results A total of 194 patients were included in this study, including hematogenous infection in 56 cases, pulmonary infection in 51 cases, urinary tract infection in 46 cases, skin and soft tissue infection in 41 cases. The level of PCT was significantly higher in the patients with systemic infection, and the level of PCT was higher in the patients with gram negative bacteria infection, especially the infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion The level of PCT is different in different infection sites, and more importantly, there is a change in the level of PCT infection caused by different strains. Key words: Procalcitonin; Bacterial infection; Infection site