Background：C-reactive protein （CRP） is an acute-phase serum protein synthesized by the liver in response to interleukin-6 （IL-6） during inflammation. The name of CRP derives from its ability to react with the C polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae. CRP is an annular,pentameric protein that belongs to the pentraxin family of proteins. CRP displays several functions associated with host defense： it promotes agglutination,bacterial capsular swelling,phagocytosis and complement fixation through its calcium-dependent binding to phosphorylcholine. It is used mainly as a marker of inflammation.
