This critical distinction between a sterile systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and true infection was supported by marked inflammatory markers, including a C-reactive protein (CRP) of 285 mg/L, a procalcitonin level of 4.5 ng/mL, and a leukocytosis of 18.5 x 109/L with 90% neutrophils. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is systemic inflammatory response syndrome.