IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine participating in immune response, haemopoiesis and acute-phase reactions.11 In response to infection, IL-6 enhances the production of IgM, IgG and IgA as well as the proliferation of helper T-cells and thereby plays a crucial role in host defence mechanisms.11 After exposure to bacterial endotoxins, IL-6 concentrations rise before acute-phase reactants including C-reactive protein (CRP).10,12 IL-6 can be determined in cord blood or serum yielding different diagnostic accuracy. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is infection.