Dimorphism in response of sexes to dengue infection modifying course and outcome of disease

Abstract

Introduction: Sexes respond differently to infection, which further is modified by the 'stage of life cycle' they belong to. Materials and methods: We studied a cohort of patients admitted in our hospital diagnosed with dengue during the year 2014-2015 and found significant dimorphism in response of males and females in different age categories to infection; this appeared to modify the disease process from infection to progression/outcome. Results: Females in reproductive age category were found to be more inclined to developing uncomplicated dengue (DF). Severe dengue was found to occur in males and females past middle age – males appearing to be more prone to developing complications. Possible reasons based on available knowledge are discussed. Conclusions: Dimorphism in response to infection in the sexes in different stages of their lifecycle was found to modify disease process from infection to progression and outcome of dengue.