Host gender in parasitic infections of mammals: an evaluation of the female host supremacy paradigm

J Parasitol. 2004 Jun;90(3):531-46. doi: 10.1645/GE-113R3.

Abstract

A review of current literature on mammalian hosts' sexual dimorphism (SD) in parasitic infections revealed that (1) it is a scarcely and superficially studied biological phenomenon of considerable significance for individual health, behavior, and lifestyles and for the evolution of species; (2) there are many notable exceptions to the rule of a favorable female bias in susceptibility to infection; (3) a complex network of molecular and cellular reactions connecting the host's immuno-neuroendocrine systems with those of the parasite is responsible for the host-parasite relationship rather than just an adaptive immune response and sex hormones; (4) a lack of gender-specific immune profiles in response to different infections; (5) the direct effects of the host hormones on parasite physiology may significantly contribute to SD in parasitism; and (6) the need to enrich the reductionist approach to complex biological issues, like SD, with more penetrating approaches to the study of cause-effect relationships, i.e., network theory. The review concludes by advising against generalization regarding SD and parasitism and by pointing to some of the most promising lines of research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cysticercosis / immunology
  • Cysticercosis / metabolism
  • Endocrine System / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / physiology
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Humans
  • Immune System / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mammals / parasitology*
  • Neurosecretory Systems / physiology
  • Parasitic Diseases / immunology*
  • Parasitic Diseases / metabolism*
  • Sex Characteristics*

Substances

  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones