Baseline Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Asymptomatic Individuals From West Africa With and Without <i>P. falciparum</i> Parasitemia

Abstract

We assessed baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin levels in asymptomatic individuals from malaria-endemic West Africa. C-reactive protein remained unaffected by <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> parasitemia, while procalcitonin (PCT) was more frequently detectable among malaria-positive individuals. These findings support that CRP thresholds remain valid and highlight the need to explore parasite density-PCT associations.