However, no differences in mean IFN-γ levels between patients with severe and those with uncomplicated malaria were found among studies conducted in Africa (MD: 6.35 pg/mL, 95% CI − 3.53–16.23 pg/mL, I2: 97.86%, eight studies, 395 severe cases/313 uncomplicated cases, Fig. 5). This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and malaria.