ESR were 71.5 mm/h (52.0, 104.8) and 53.0 mm/h (28.5, 80.0) in the TB (n = 42) and RA control (n = 84) groups, respectively (P < 0.05), whereas CRP levels were 23.0 mg/L (7.5, 80.5) and 20.3 mg/L (7.6, 42.0) in the TB (n = 42) and RA control (n = 84) groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.