In contrast to those with uncomplicated infection, ICAM-1 expression measured on circulating monocytes in patients with severe inflammatory malaria syndromes may reflect levels found on endothelial cells and the subset of patients with severe a cytoadhesive syndrome such as cerebral malaria might be expected to have higher levels of ICAM-1 expression compared with those with severe malaria anaemia. The gene discussed is ICAM1; the disease is malaria.