We confirmed that instillation of IT MRSA induces a strong inflammatory response reflective of ALI and ARDS indicated by significantly increased inflammatory cell infiltrate and gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, MIP-2, IL-1β, and TNFα as well as increased protein levels in BALF of these same proinflammatory cytokines, which is the functional physiologic output of inflammation. This evidence concerns the gene IL1B and acute respiratory distress syndrome.