Clinical Significance

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein whose concentration rises non-specifically in response to inflammation.  CRP is seen to increase as a result of the inflammatory process, most notably in response to pneumococcal (bacterial) infection, histolytic disease, and a variety of other disease states.  CRP is used as a marker or general diagnostic indicator of infections and inflammation, in addition to serving as a monitor of patient response to pharmacological therapy and surgery.