We found that the gene encoding hepcidin, Hamp1, fluctuated post-infection and was significantly reduced in infected animals by day 28 and day 56 post-infection (p = <0.05 and p = <0.01, respectively), in comparison to uninfected controls (Fig 1B and 1C); this decrease in hepatic Hamp1 mRNA in infected versus uninfected animals was also observed 28 days after BALB/c mice were challenged with aerosolised M. tb (S1 Fig). The gene discussed is HAMP; the disease is infection.