These data suggest that HZ-triggered overproduction of TNFalpha, IL-1beta and MIP-1alpha mediates induction of lysozyme release from human monocytes through activation of p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB pathways, providing new evidence on mechanisms underlying the HZ-enhanced monocyte degranulation in falciparum malaria and the potential role for lysozyme as a new affordable marker in severe malaria. This evidence concerns the gene IL1B and malaria.