Concomitantly, genes involved in inflammatory and interferon-related responses, including IFN-γ, IL-12b, STAT1, STAT3, IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL5, were significantly upregulated, indicating a strong pro-inflammatory environment during peak infection. The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is infection.