What does a high level of C-reactive protein (CRP) indicate?

A high level of C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates possible inflammation or infection because CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. When there is an acute inflammatory response in the body, such as infection, injury, or chronic inflammatory diseases, CRP levels rise significantly. This makes CRP a useful marker for clinicians to identify and monitor inflammatory conditions and to assess the severity of disease processes.

In contrast, a normal immune response would not typically result in elevated CRP levels, as this protein is specifically associated with inflammatory reactions. While uncontrolled diabetes and high cholesterol can contribute to chronic inflammatory states, they are not direct indicators of CRP levels. Therefore, the specific relationship of CRP to inflammation and infection directly supports the conclusion that elevated CRP signals possible inflammation or infection as the correct interpretation.