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Polymorphisms in genes involved in the inflammatory response may influence the course and outcome of severe infections (JW Infect Dis Oct 17 2007). To determine the effects of such variation on the risks for bacteremia and in-hospital death among critically ill patients, researchers in Belgium and Denmark examined Mannose-binding lectin–associated serine protease 2 (MASP2) levels and 31 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 14 genes involved in host innate immune defense. DNA sequences were studied for 774 of 1200 medical ICU patients who were participating in a large controlled trial of intensive insulin therapy; MASP2 levels were determined from the blood samples obtained at ICU admission. Leukocyte function was measured at ICU admission for…