Serum Mannose-Binding Lectin and C-Reactive Protein Are Potential Biomarkers for Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify whether mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and C-reactive protein (CRP) may be used as clinical biomarkers for predicting outcome of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) by tracking serum MBL and CRP level changes during a time course. Methods: One hundred four patients with CAP and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. The patients were further divided into Survivor and Death groups based on 30-day mortality. The MBL and CRP levels in these patients at pre- and post-treatments at days 4 and 7 were determined using an immunoturbidimetric assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Compared to the control group, the MBL and CRP levels in the CAP group were significantly higher. CRP levels in the CAP group significantly reduced within 1 week following anti-infection and other supporting therapies including anti-phlegm and liquidation. MBL levels were significantly higher in the Survivor group than in the Death group (p < 0.05). On the contrary, CRP levels were significantly higher in the Death group than in the Survivor group (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the serum MBL and CRP levels in all patients following the treatments. Conclusion: Both the MBL and CRP can serve as inflammatory markers in predicting the outcome of patients with CAP.