Overall, accuracy of discrimination between the CM and SMA was lower than that in the comparison of each of these syndromes with the UM group. The degree of overlap between CM and SMA goes beyond that expected from strict application of the WHO case definitions used in this study. Nevertheless, the plasma proteome-pattern discriminated with over 70% accuracy between the severe groups. This suggests that beyond common underlying mechanisms, such as acute inflammation, there are significant differences in the pathogenesis of the severe syndromes studied.