Abstract

The hyper-inflammatory immune response due to viral infection is thought to have a major role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, according to mounting data. In coronavirus illness, serum procalcitonin (PCT) is an emerging prognostic marker (COVID-19). This study's objective was to examine the serum procalcitonin levels in individuals with coronavirus illness (COVID-19). Materials and methods: The current study was an analytical study conducted among patients using the GMCH, Jalgaon Casualty ICU. Following the fulfilment of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 100 subjects were included in total. Of which 50 were healthy volunteers in their normal states as controls and 50 were COVID -19 cases verified by RT-PCR tests at VDRL, GMCH, Jalgaon. All of the patients fell within the 20–60 year age range. Results: The average patient age was 55.3 years, and 25 (50%) of the controls and 32 (64%) of the COVID-19 cases were men. Table 2 showed the PCT levels among the subjects. It was seen that normal level of PCT levels was found in 72.22% COVID males and 100% non-COVID males. Amongst the females, 66.67% COVID females and 100% non-COVID females had normal level of PCT. Only 18.75% males and 33.33% females with COVID had PCT levels >0.5. Conclusion: PCT may serve as a marker for COVID-19 disease severity and may help assess the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients. Serial PCT readings could also be helpful in determining the prognosis.

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