The precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CMV reactivation in acutely ill pancreatitis patients remain to be fully elucidated; however, it is hypothesized that the acute inflammatory response associated with pancreatitis, compounded by superimposed sepsis, may trigger CMV reactivation via the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta. Here, TNF is linked to pancreatitis.