Firth logistic regression analysis showed that plasma IL-6, IL-8, and CXCL16 levels were associated with new organ support in the sepsis group, while IL-15, CXCL16, and IL-1RA levels tended to be associated in the COVID-19 group.<h4>Conclusion</h4>At day 7 after diagnosis, both groups exhibited active proinflammatory responses, but only the sepsis group showed prominent anti-inflammatory responses. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is COVID-19.