CRP and Increased total eosinophil count: Multivariate models with different analytical parameters (logarithmic transformed and scaled variables were used) showed that in the total sample, CRP was the best predictor of severe disease (OR 2.33 95% CI 1.71–3.19) and eosinophilia (% of eosinophils) was an independent protective factor (OR 0.67 95% CI 0.50–0.89).