Abstract

Although the treatment for tuberculosis (TB) is available nowadays, it remains a real concern, especially since cases in children are often detected late and underreported. Studies have shown that elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with TB in adults. This study aims to assess the CRP levels among the pediatric cases at Jamot Hospital (Yaoundé) and Meguemessi community in Cameroon. This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 97 participants aged 2 to 15 years between 2020 and 2023. Sputum was tested for active tuberculosis using Gene-x-pert and culture. Blood was collected to measure the CRP concentration levels using nephelometry and to screen for latent tuberculosis infection using Interferon Gamma Released Assay (IGRA). Amongst the 97 participants there were 7 confirmed cases of active TB, 27 cases of latent TB infection, and 44 healthy individuals (HI). The mean CRP levels for active TB, latent tuberculosis infected (LTBI), and HI were 110.81 ± 74.96, 7.76 ± 15.33 and 9.27 ± 15.57 mg/L, respectively. High levels of CRP were associated with active tuberculosis (p < 0.001). Serum CRP levels can provide valuable insight into the severity of the disease, making it a useful marker for early diagnosis, preventive therapy orientation and treatment of TB.

Key words: Active tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis infection, acute phase marker, C-reactive protein, contact children, central region, Cameroon.