A polymorphism of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is associated with a reduced incidence of nonmalarial febrile illness in Kenyan children.

An intercellular adhesion molecule-1 polymorphism (ICAM-1(Kilifi)) is present at a high frequency across sub-Saharan Africa, and its presence may increase susceptibility to cerebral malaria. Here, we report that, compared with children in whom wild-type intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is present, the incidence of nonmalarial fever is significantly lower among those homozygous for ICAM-1(Kilifi). We propose that ICAM-1(Kilifi) may be associated with reduced rates of tissue damage and of death due to sepsis.