Platelet-Based Biomarkers: A New Frontier in Inflammation Monitoring for Respiratory Infections

Platelets are essential for haemostasis and have emerging roles in inflammation, particularly in respiratory infections like pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and pneumonia. The objective of this study was to assess alterations in platelet counts and indices and their association with ESR in PTB and pneumonia patients compared to healthy controls, in evaluating their diagnostic and prognostic potential. A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care center involving 450 participants: 158 PTB patients, 142 pneumonia patients, and 150 healthy controls. Laboratory data including platelet counts, MPV, Pct, PDW, and ESR were retrieved from the hospital’s Laboratory Information System. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using SPSS to determine diagnostic efficacy. PTB and pneumonia patients had significantly higher platelet counts and Pct, and lower MPV compared to controls (p