Children who received antibiotics prior to admission, as compared with children who had not, had similar CRP levels in groups A and C but higher CRP levels in group B. There was no difference in observed CRP levels among children who received antibiotics prior to admission among groups A, B, and C. Children with LRTI and AOM had similar CRP levels in groups A and C. Respiratory symptoms (groups A and C), even without a diagnosed LRTI, and AOM were associated with higher CRP levels as compared with group B. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is infectious otitis media.