C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute-phase reactant, is a diagnostic marker that helps to differentiate serious infections like pneumonia and sepsis from self-limiting illnesses.14–16 The effect of CRP point-of-care testing (POCT) in reducing antibiotic prescribing for lower respiratory tract infections has been demonstrated in developed countries.1,2,17 Despite its potential, however, CRP POCT is not widely used in resource-limited countries.17 The nature and severity of diseases presented in primary care in low-income countries could be very different from developed countries. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is infection.