VEGFA and bartonellosis: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP, an indirect marker of IL-6), Human Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGFB1), Complement component 3a (C3a), Complement component 4a (C4a), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), an indirect marker of Bartonella infection [30]) were gauged as markers of inflammation.