Malaria infection induces the production of serum antibodies to a variety of malaria antigens but the prevalence of antibodies to any particular antigen ins typically mucb less than 100%. It has been assumed that non-responsiveness to defined antigens in malaria immune subjects is due to HLA mediated restricution of the Immune response. In this study we have investigated the role of HLA and non-HLA genes in the antibody response to two merozoite surface antigens (MSP1 and MSP2) and a sexual stage antigen (Pfs260/230) opf P{lasmodium falcpartum, and conclude that host genotype is not a major determinant of responsiveness. Although antibody levels vary in accordance with seasonal variations in malaria transmission in semi-immune children, antibiody levels remain stable in clncall immine adults.