Subgroup analysis of assays used to measure IL-6 showed higher mean IL-6 levels in those with uncomplicated malaria than in controls among studies using an ELISA for IL-6 measurement (P = 0.008, WMD = 39.65 pg/mL, 95% CI = 10.38−68.92 pg/mL, I2 = 100%, 12 studies) and studies using bead-based assays for IL-6 measurement (P < 0.001, WMD = 42.02 pg/mL, 95% CI = 26.91–57.12 pg/mL, I2 = 98.9%, five studies; Fig. 11). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is malaria.