No difference in the mean CRP level was observed in patients with uncomplicated malaria and febrile/healthy controls in studies conducted in Europe (p: 0.15, SMD: 1.57, 95% CI: − 0.59–3.72, I2: 98.9%, four studies) and America (p: 0.17, SMD: 1.32, 95% CI: − 0.57–3.22, I2: 98.7%, two studies) (Fig. 7). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is malaria.