What is the reason for high levels of C-reactive protein in whole blood

Elevated whole blood C-reactive protein may be caused by infection, inflammation, trauma, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune diseases. There are five common causes: bacterial infection, viral infection, tissue damage, atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Bacterial infection:

Bacterial infection is the most common cause of elevated C-reactive protein. When the human body is invaded by bacteria, the immune system quickly produces an inflammatory response, stimulating the liver to synthesize C-reactive protein. Common bacterial infections include pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli. The increase in C-reactive protein caused by bacterial infection is usually significant, and the value may exceed 100mg/L.

2. Viral infection:

Viral infection can also cause an increase in C-reactive protein levels, but the magnitude of the increase is usually lower than bacterial infection. When infected with common pathogens such as influenza virus and EB virus, the value of C-reactive protein is mostly within the range of 10-50mg/L. Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections often result in an increase in C-reactive protein levels accompanied by an increase in the proportion of lymphocytes.

3. Tissue damage:

Tissue damage such as trauma, surgery, or burns can trigger acute phase reactions, leading to an increase in C-reactive protein synthesis. This elevation caused by non infectious stimuli usually appears 6-8 hours after injury and reaches its peak 24-48 hours. Severe injuries such as fractures and extensive soft tissue contusions can cause C-reactive protein to rise above 200mg/L.

4. Atherosclerosis:

Patients with cardiovascular disease often have a slight increase in C-reactive protein. During the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, low-grade inflammatory reaction persisted in the vascular wall, leading to the maintenance of C-reactive protein level in the range of 3-10mg/L. The detection of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein can more sensitively reflect this chronic inflammatory state. 5. Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can cause sustained elevation of C-reactive protein. In this type of disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to chronic inflammatory reactions. The level of C-reactive protein in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis usually exceeds 20mg/L and is positively correlated with disease activity. When elevated C-reactive protein is found, it is recommended to make a comprehensive judgment based on clinical symptoms and other examination results. Mild elevation may be related to recent colds or minor injuries, and can be helped to recover through adequate rest and a balanced diet. Moderate exercise should be maintained in daily life to avoid bad habits such as smoking and alcohol abuse. If it continues to rise or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, joint swelling and pain, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause. Avoid vigorous exercise and high-fat diet before testing to avoid affecting the accuracy of the results. Regular physical examinations can help monitor the trend of C-reactive protein changes and detect potential health problems early.