The IL6R variant was associated with higher odds of an elevated white blood cell count in AFR (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.12–1.30), and in line with this, a lower odds ratio for neutropenia in AFR (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72–0.89); these associations were not observed among EUR. The gene discussed is IL6R; the disease is Decreased total neutrophil count.