When comparing children undergoing infection from each ethnic group, the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio was higher in Fulani than Dogon children when cells were stimulated with TLR9 ligands (p = 0.04), suggesting a significantly higher proinflammatory activity induced by TLR9 ligation in Fulani than Dogon children undergoing P. falciparum infection. The gene discussed is TLR9; the disease is infection.