To Study the Procalcitonin (PCT) as an Early and Sensitive Biomarker for Sepsis, Particularly Bacterial Infections, Reflecting Severity and Progression of the Disease in Patients

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment are critical for improving patient outcomes. Conventional diagnostic methods such as blood cultures often require prolonged time and may yield false-negative results. Procalcitonin (PCT), a precursor of the hormone calcitonin, has emerged as a promising biomarker for early detection of bacterial infections and sepsis.

Objective: To evaluate the role of procalcitonin as an early and sensitive biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis and to assess its association with disease severity and progression in patients.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 patients with suspected sepsis admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Demographic details, clinical presentation, microbiological investigations, and serum procalcitonin levels were analyzed. Blood cultures were performed using standard microbiological techniques. PCT levels were measured using immunoassay methods and correlated with culture positivity and clinical severity.

Results: Among the 100 patients included in the study, the majority belonged to the >60 years age group (24%), and 58% were males. Blood cultures were positive in 62% of cases, with Escherichia coli being the most common isolate (29%). Elevated procalcitonin levels (>2 ng/mL) were observed in 58% of patients and were significantly associated with culture-positive sepsis. Higher PCT levels were also correlated with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Conclusion: Procalcitonin is a valuable biomarker for the early diagnosis of bacterial sepsis and correlates well with disease severity. Measurement of PCT levels may aid clinicians in early detection, risk stratification, and timely management of septic patients.