IL6 and infection: Although no statistically significant differences in viral load were observed in the HK, spleen or gills between 72 and 120 h post-infection, the data suggest ongoing immune activation, as indicated by the sustained transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and anti-inflammatory IL-10, along with several chemokines during this period, which is therefore expected according to Cuesta and Tafalla [22].