Variable selection using FS-PLS identified 4 genes distinguishing MIS-C from KD, viral and bacterial infections: HSPB1 Associated Protein 1 (HSPBAP1), Vacuolar Protein Sorting-Associated Protein 37C (VPS37C), Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFB1) and MX Dynamin Like GTPase 2 (MX2). Here, TGFB1 is linked to bacterial infectious disease.