However, no differences in mean IFN-γ levels between patients with severe and those with uncomplicated malaria were found among studies using bead-based assays for IFN-γ measurement (MD: 0.95 pg/mL, 95% CI − 12.29–14.18 pg/mL, I2: 99.10%, four studies, 256 severe cases/603 uncomplicated cases, 396 severe cases/492 uncomplicated cases, Fig. 6). This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and malaria.