Abstract
Epidemiological studies and clinical observations show evidence of sexual dimorphism in infectious diseases. Women are at less risk than men when it comes to developing most infectious diseases. However, understanding these observations requires a gender approach that takes into account an analysis of both biological and social factors. The host’s response to infection differs in males and females because sex differences have an impact on hormonal and chromosomal control of immunity. Estradiol appears to confer protective immunity, while progesterone and testosterone suppress anti-infectious responses. In addition, genetic factors, including those associated with sex chromosomes, also affect susceptibility to infections. Finally, differences in occupational activities, lifestyle, and comorbidities play major roles in exposure to pathogens and management of diseases. Hence, considering sexual dimorphism as a critical variable for infectious diseases should be one of the steps taken toward developing personalized therapeutic approaches.
Highlights
Sexual Dimorphism and Gender in Infectious DiseasesLaetitia Gay 1†, Clea Melenotte 1,2†, Ines Lakbar 3†, Soraya Mezouar 1, Christian Devaux 1, Didier Raoult 1, Marc-Karim Bendiane 2, Marc Leone 1,3‡* and Jean-Louis Mège 1‡
In infectious diseases, the health differences between men and women are a result of interactions between biological and sociocultural factors
This review is dedicated to updating the role of sexual dimorphism and gender differences in infectious diseases, here with the goal of providing a mechanistic approach toward infectious diseases
Summary
Laetitia Gay 1†, Clea Melenotte 1,2†, Ines Lakbar 3†, Soraya Mezouar 1, Christian Devaux 1, Didier Raoult 1, Marc-Karim Bendiane 2, Marc Leone 1,3‡* and Jean-Louis Mège 1‡. Epidemiological studies and clinical observations show evidence of sexual dimorphism in infectious diseases. Women are at less risk than men when it comes to developing most infectious diseases. Understanding these observations requires a gender approach that takes into account an analysis of both biological and social factors. The host’s response to infection differs in males and females because sex differences have an impact on hormonal and chromosomal control of immunity. Estradiol appears to confer protective immunity, while progesterone and testosterone suppress anti-infectious responses. Genetic factors, including those associated with sex chromosomes, affect susceptibility to infections. Considering sexual dimorphism as a critical variable for infectious diseases should be one of the steps taken toward developing personalized therapeutic approaches
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