Additionally, IFN-γ also decreases hepcidin secretion in the culture supernatants of L. monocytogenes (mean difference 37.9±1.5 pg/ml) and M. bovis BCG (mean difference 50.9±1.5 pg/ml) infected macrophages at eight and 24 hours post-infection, respectively (Fig 4D and 4E). The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is infection.