Mice treated with niflumic acid early in infection produced greater expression of TNF-α, IL-1α, and IFN-γ, with a reduction in inhaled nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and an increased bacterial load. Mice treated after 60 days of infection showed increased pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations, a striking increment of iNOS expression, and reduced bacillary load. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is infection.