Fig. 2

PCT concentrations (median, ng/mL) associated with type of pathogen. Escherichia coli had the highest PCT (9.43 ng/mL), Klebsiella pneumoniae followed (6.76 ng/mL), and Staphylococcus spp. had the lowest (0.28 ng/mL), showing significant differences (P < 0.001). PCT, procalcitonin; CRP, C-reactive protein; Rare pathogens (Neisseri elongata, Proteus mirabilis, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Moraxella osloensis. each with only one reported strain)