Which laboratory markers are commonly elevated in suspected vertebral osteomyelitis?

• A. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• B. White blood cell count only
• C. Platelet count only
• D. Liver enzymes

Answer: (A)

In vertebral osteomyelitis, inflammatory markers are the most helpful clues, with C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate commonly elevated. CRP rises quickly in infection, often within hours, while ESR increases more gradually due to changes like fibrinogen-mediated rouleaux formation; both rise with vertebral osteomyelitis and are useful for diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment. White blood cell count can be normal or only mildly elevated in these infections, so relying on WBC alone can miss cases. Platelet count and liver enzymes are not specific indicators of this vertebral infection.