Risk factors for failure of conservative management in humans include diabetes mellitus, a C-reactive protein (CRP) >115 mg/L, a leukocyte count >12 × 109/L, positive blood cultures, age >65 years, the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and advanced neurological deficits (33, 39, 52). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is diabetes mellitus.