Further stratified analysis showed that the mRNA expression level of AIM2 was significantly higher among the 20 HBV mono-infected and 15 HBV/HCV co-infected patients with HBV viral load >2,000 IU/mL than 10 HBV mono-infected and 15 HBV/HCV co-infected patients with HBV viral load <2,000 IU/mL and 18 HD, whereas HCV viral load (both ≥15 IU/mL and <15 IU/mL) among HCV mono-infection and HBV/HCV co-infection did not affect AIM2 expression compared with HD (Fig. 7D). The gene discussed is AIM2; the disease is infection.