Cytokines including IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and IFNγ were also evaluated but no significant differences were detected between infected groups with the exception of IFNγ mRNA levels which were elevated in both H. pylori infected groups in comparison to the naïve, uninfected control (p < .05) at 4 months post infection (Figure 5). This evidence concerns the gene IL18 and infection.