When considering both CF and HC cohorts as a whole (n=87) during stable phases, the subjects who tested positive (n=24) for any of the six detected viruses were observed to have significantly higher levels of IL-6 (median, IQR: 14.5 (8.0, 31.3) pg/ml vs. 11.1 (7.2, 16.3) pg/ml; p=0.048). Here, IL6 is linked to cystic fibrosis.