C. trachomatis infection was significantly associated with elevated proinflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, the Th3/Tr1 IL-10 and IL-15 cytokines, and the Th1-associated chemokines MIP-1β and RANTES in the presence of trachomatous disease, suggesting an added microbial influence on trachoma pathogenesis. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is inclusion conjunctivitis.