The findings of lower mean albumin (cohort 1) and lower mean thyroxine (cohort 2) levels in FIV-infected cats compared to FIV-uninfected cats also supports the theory of FIV infection causing a systemic pro-inflammatory state and non-thyroidal illness, with albumin having a role as a negative acute phase protein (decreased levels in response to systemic inflammation) [60]. This evidence concerns the gene ALB and infection.