Role of Serum Procalcitonin Level in Differentiating between Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Mohammad Shameem, Mazhar Alam, Shagufta Moin, Rakesh Bhargava, Zuber Ahmad, Jamal Akhtar

Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
Department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002, India.

DOI: 10.4236/ijcm.2014.515121                

Abstract

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) are common causes of consolidation patch in chest radiograph. Sputum Z-N staining is positive in 30% to 60% cases only and sputum examination has poor yield in CAP. This study aimed to assess the value of serum Procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). Patients with new opacity in chest radiograph were included in the study. Serum sample were taken at admission and stored. Patient’s diagnosis were confirmed and categorized into pulmonary TB group (32) and community-acquired pneumonia group (23). Their mean PCT level was compared with mean PCT level of 25 controls. Serum procalcitonin levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients of community-acquired pneumonia as compared to patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. In presence of consolidation in x-ray chest, increased level of serum procalcitonin might be used to differentiate pulmonary tuberculosis from community-acquired pneumonia. High level of serum procalcitonin was associated with high mortality rate in community-acquired pneumonia patients.

Keywords

Procalcitonin, Tuberculosis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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