However, distinct pattern of changes in haematological and blood chemistry parameters between HU+ and no-HU groups in this pilot study, including rapid decline in ALT and AST among the HU+, in contrast with elevated ALT and BIL levels in the no-HU group during the acute illness phase, suggest that further focused studies are needed to evaluate the significance of these observations in the specific context of long term safety of HU during acute malaria and its treatment. This evidence concerns the gene GPT and malaria.