Among studies conducted in Asia, no difference in mean IFN-γ levels between patients with severe malaria and those with uncomplicated was evident in adults (MD 267.98 pg/mL, 95% CI − 69.7–605.66 pg/mL, I2: 98.15%, two studies, 91 severe cases/137 uncomplicated cases) and all age groups (MD 17.79 pg/mL, 95% CI − 62.09–101.66 pg/mL, I2: 98.76%, two studies, 101 severe cases/114 uncomplicated cases, Supplementary Fig. S2). Here, IFNG is linked to malaria.