CRP and infection: The greater severity of the false-positive infections was also supported by the laboratory data, which disclosed a higher immature neutrophil count in the peripheral blood (P = .070); higher levels of C-reactive protein (P = .001); and higher chances of occult blood (P<.001), pus cells (P<.001) and mucus (P<.001) in the microscopy examination of stool samples and a greater incidence of a positive stool culture for bacteria (P<.001).