About Infection and Inflammation
In a world, where we are surrounded by various microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, we have learnt to co-habit with them. There are many micro-organisms which are friendly and harmless, while there are others that can cause harm. To protect ourselves from these, our bodies have an immune mechanism in place that keep these in check. However, sometimes when our immunity is low or the microorganism are too powerful or virulent, they can gain entry into our bodies and start multiplying- this is called infection.
Infections can spread through various ways, such as skin-to-skin contact, body fluid transfer, through contaminated food or water or inhaling airborne particles or droplets, or through touching a surface that has been contaminated by a person who is carrying the disease.
Inflammation is a response of the immune system against invading microorganisms. It is a protective mechanism by which the immune system identifies and fights off the harmful micro-organisms and promotes healing of the damaged tissue. This inflammation can be acute or chronic.
Types of Infections
Infections can be acute or chronic depending upon its onset duration. Infections can also be classified based on the causative organisms, such as bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections.
Signs and symptoms of Infection and Inflammation
A wide range of signs and symptoms for infection and inflammation includes:
• fever (this is sometimes the only sign of an infection)
• sweats and chills
• new cough or a change in cough
• throat or mouth discomfort
• respiration difficulty
• nasal blockage
• rigid neck
• burning or discomfort while urinating
• unusual vaginal discharge
• excessive urination
• diarrhoea
• eating discomfort
• any place that is red, painful, or swollen
Ways to reduce Infection and Inflammation
The primary way to prevent or reduce infection is by following good hygiene. Infections can be prevented by boosting your immunity against infection-causing microorganisms and washing your hands regularly and thoroughly. If you're sick, stay at home. Cover sneezes and coughs. Clean the surfaces often, air out your house, eat hygienic food and practice safe sex.
By following a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle, you can reduce inflammation and even reverse it. Individuals with a family history of health issues, such as heart disease or colon cancer, should speak with their doctors about lowering infection risk through lifestyle modifications.
Laboratory tests for Infection and Inflammation
A single test cannot diagnose infection and inflammation. Some forms of infections can be diagnosed with the aid of bacteria culture testing. However, your doctor can recommend any of the following tests based on your symptoms.
Mouth Culture It is used to determine whether strep throat is present or not. A medical expert collects a sample from the tonsils and back of your throat using a specialised swab.
Urine culture is used to determine the bacteria causing an infection in the urinary tract.
Pneumonia Culture The thick mucus that is coughed out from the lungs is known as sputum. It is distinct from saliva or spit. It is used to diagnose bacterial and fungal illnesses of the respiratory tract, including bacterial pneumonia, TB, bronchiectasis, and histoplasmosis.
Plasma/Blood Culture This test is used to check your blood for bacterial or fungal diseases. expert.
These tests usually help the treating physician in determining the cause of infection, and prescribe anti-infective agents accordingly.
C- Reactive protein (CRP) test
CRP is a protein produced by the liver, and it is normally present in the plasma. A high level of CRP in your blood may be caused by a variety of inflammatory diseases. Healthcare professionals use the CRP test to monitor and identify various causes of inflammation, such as infections caused by bacteria and viruses, some autoimmune diseases, and the risk of coronary heart disease.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
ESR is otherwise known as the sedimentation rate test. During this test, the rate at which the red blood cells sink to the bottom of the test tube serves as an indicator of inflammation. This test detects the presence of inflammation in the given blood sample. It can also be used to track your condition.
Significance of CRP test in Infection and Inflammation
A CRP test may be used to detect or monitor inflammation in both acute and long-term situations, such as viruses or bacteria infections, diseases of the intestines known as inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, autoimmune diseases such as vasculitis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, lung conditions like asthma.
Sepsis is the spread of infection into the blood. Healthcare professionals may use a CRP test to determine the effectiveness of treatment for chronic inflammation or to guide other treatment choices.
Types of CRP testing
There are two varieties of CRP tests, including:
Standard C-reactive protein test: This test measures the C-reactive protein level, which can rise up to 1,000-fold in response to an infection or tissue damage but cannot establish the normal range.
High-sensitivity CRP test (HS-CRP): This examination looks for normal CRP levels, which have been linked to future cardiovascular events.
CRP blood test ranges
Standard CRP test Interpretation
Levels between 0.3 mg/dl and 1.0 mg/dl are considered minor elevations. Those who are sedentary, pregnant, or who have a chronic illness like diabetes may experience this. These increases can also be brought about by minor diseases like the common cold.
Levels between 1.0 mg/dl and 10.0 mg/dl are considered moderate elevations, which can indicate a more serious problem. A moderate rise may be due to chronic inflammatory conditions, such as RA or heart disease.
Levels over 50.0 mg/dl are considered to be severe elevations. An acute bacterial infection is indicated by this increase.
High-Sensitivity CRP test Interpretation
The high-sensitivity CRP test results provide information about a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Lower risk is indicated by values below 2 mg/l and larger than 2 mg/l indicates an increased risk.
Increased CRP levels may be a sign of systemic inflammation, which has been linked to diseases such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, insulin resistance, and risk of heart disease. Thus, getting a CRP test is recommended for timely diagnosis of infections and inflammations and their prompt treatment.
