Genes up-regulated early in infection were functionally associated with immune responses including several interferon-inducible genes such as Irf7, Oas2, Ifit3 and Ifit2. Genes up-regulated in the spleen later in infection were associated with wound healing and defence responses as well as chemotaxis (e.g. CXCL4, CCL8, S100A8), glycolysis and peroxidase activity. This evidence concerns the gene S100A8 and infection.