Yes, meningitis can cause high CRP (C-reactive protein) levels.
CRP is an acute-phase protein, meaning its concentration in the blood increases significantly in response to inflammation. Meningitis, which is an inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), triggers an inflammatory response in the body. This inflammatory response leads to increased production of CRP by the liver, resulting in elevated CRP levels in the blood.
A study comparing CRP levels in patients with meningitis to those without meningitis found a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The mean CRP level in the meningitis group was 24.32±33.66 mg/L, significantly higher than the 7.44±6.50 mg/L in the non-meningitis group. This highlights that elevated CRP can be an indicator of meningitis, although it's not specific solely to meningitis. Other inflammatory conditions can also cause elevated CRP.
Therefore, while a high CRP level can suggest the presence of meningitis, it's essential to consider it alongside other clinical signs, symptoms, and diagnostic tests for an accurate diagnosis. Doctors use CRP levels as one piece of the puzzle when assessing patients suspected of having meningitis.
