In the TB (n = 41) and SLE control (n = 82) groups, ESRs were 53.7 ± 29.0 mm/h (52.0, 104.8) and 40.7 ± 28.3 mm/h (28.5, 80.0), respectively (P < 0.05), whereas CRP levels were 49.0 mg/L (13.5, 90) and 12.8 mg/L (6.0, 34.8), respectively (P < 0.05). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is tuberculosis.