These sepsis-associated biomarker gene lists are particularly enriched for platelet and megakaryocyte-associated entities e.g., ITGA2B, ITGB3, GP6, MPIG6B, MYL9, PF4, PPBP and SELP etc. Increased expression of some of these was observed in the SIRS group at Day5 e.g., ITGA2B, which may indicate development of sepsis-like characteristics, perhaps indicative of emerging infection. The gene discussed is ITGA2B; the disease is infection.