Risk factors for developing fistulas were low intersphincteric (OR 2.77, 95CI 1.50–5.06) and ischioanal (OR 2.48, 95CI 1.36–4.47) abscesses, Crohn’s disease (OR 5.96, 95CI 2.33–17.2), a history of recurrent anal abscesses (OR 4.14, 95CI 2.47–7.01) or repeat surgery (OR 5.96, 95CI 2.33–17.2), E. coli-positive pus cultures (OR 4.06, 1.56–11.4) or preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) of more than 100 mg/L (OR 3.21, 95CI 1.57–6.71). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is abscess.