Participants' characteristics.

UMA = uncomplicated malaria group; AC = asymptomatic carrier group; ACHP = asymptomatic carrier subgroup with high parasitemia; ACLP = asymptomatic carrier subgroup with low parasitemia; RBC = red blood cells.*Significant age difference between UMA, AC and uninfected groups (Anova, p**No significant gender difference in the groups (Chi2, p = 0.513).***No significant difference between groups (Chi2, p = 0.25).****The Hbb AS genotype was significantly less frequent in the UMA group than the group of individuals free of clinical malaria (Chi2, p = 0.049).†Excludes the uninfected group (33 individuals).