Blood tests showed increased levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP, 826 ng/L; r.v. < 100) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, CRP, 3.7 mg/dl, r.v. < 0.5; fibrinogen 606 mg/dl, r.v. 200–400), in the absence of any evident site of infection; conversely, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and creatinine levels were normal. The gene discussed is NPPB; the disease is infection.