In contrast to the results of our previously published study in COVID-19 patients who did not receive immunomodulatory therapy [5] (depicted by the light grey line in Fig. 3a), no significant increase in PCT and CRP levels was observed in patients of the D+T− group who developed a secondary infection compared to patients who did not (p = 0.052 and p = 0.08, respectively, Fig. 3a, b). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is COVID-19.