Sex and gender differences in neurological infections

Infectious Diseases Scientific Panel of the European Academy of Neurology; Johann Sellner

doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000001389

Sex and gender differences in neurological infections

Infectious Diseases Scientific Panel of the European Academy of Neurology
, Johann Sellner

Visiting Researchers

Research output: Journal article (peer-reviewed) › Review article

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neurological infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This review aims to summarize current insights and developments for sex and gender differences in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of neurological infections.

RECENT FINDINGS: Sex refers to the biological and physiological factors that define males and females. Gender, on the other hand, refers to characteristics that are socially constructed. Both aspects are central to infectious disease pathogenesis, and clinical and scientific evidence of their relevance in neuroinfections is emerging. Indeed, differences in exposure to pathogens and genetic and hormonal factors modulate immune responses and modify the susceptibility, clinical course, and response to the treatment of neurological infections.

SUMMARY: Recognizing and addressing sex and gender differences in neurological infections is crucial for tailoring diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. Our review underscores the importance of considering sex and gender in clinical practice and research to improve patient care and outcomes.

Original language	English
Article number	10.1097/WCO.0000000000001389
Pages (from-to)	429-435
Number of pages	7
Journal	Current Opinion in Neurology
Volume	38
Issue number	4
Early online date	05 Jun 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0000000000001389
Publication status	Published - 01 Aug 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 5 Gender Equality

Keywords

gender bias
encephalitis
meningitis
neurological infections
sex differences
Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology
Humans
Sex Factors
Female
Male
Sex Characteristics
Central Nervous System Infections/epidemiology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Neurology
Neurology (clinical)

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10.1097/WCO.0000000000001389

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title = "Sex and gender differences in neurological infections",

abstract = "PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neurological infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This review aims to summarize current insights and developments for sex and gender differences in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of neurological infections.RECENT FINDINGS: Sex refers to the biological and physiological factors that define males and females. Gender, on the other hand, refers to characteristics that are socially constructed. Both aspects are central to infectious disease pathogenesis, and clinical and scientific evidence of their relevance in neuroinfections is emerging. Indeed, differences in exposure to pathogens and genetic and hormonal factors modulate immune responses and modify the susceptibility, clinical course, and response to the treatment of neurological infections.SUMMARY: Recognizing and addressing sex and gender differences in neurological infections is crucial for tailoring diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. Our review underscores the importance of considering sex and gender in clinical practice and research to improve patient care and outcomes.",

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doi = "10.1097/WCO.0000000000001389",

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AU - Infectious Diseases Scientific Panel of the European Academy of Neurology

AU - Dias, Sara P

AU - Akhvlediani, Tamar

AU - Bernard-Valnet, Raphael

AU - Bigi, Sandra

AU - Eikeland, Randi

AU - Pal, Pramod K

AU - Pfausler, Bettina

AU - Sellner, Johann

PY - 2025/8/1

Y1 - 2025/8/1

N2 - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neurological infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This review aims to summarize current insights and developments for sex and gender differences in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of neurological infections.RECENT FINDINGS: Sex refers to the biological and physiological factors that define males and females. Gender, on the other hand, refers to characteristics that are socially constructed. Both aspects are central to infectious disease pathogenesis, and clinical and scientific evidence of their relevance in neuroinfections is emerging. Indeed, differences in exposure to pathogens and genetic and hormonal factors modulate immune responses and modify the susceptibility, clinical course, and response to the treatment of neurological infections.SUMMARY: Recognizing and addressing sex and gender differences in neurological infections is crucial for tailoring diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. Our review underscores the importance of considering sex and gender in clinical practice and research to improve patient care and outcomes.

AB - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neurological infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This review aims to summarize current insights and developments for sex and gender differences in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of neurological infections.RECENT FINDINGS: Sex refers to the biological and physiological factors that define males and females. Gender, on the other hand, refers to characteristics that are socially constructed. Both aspects are central to infectious disease pathogenesis, and clinical and scientific evidence of their relevance in neuroinfections is emerging. Indeed, differences in exposure to pathogens and genetic and hormonal factors modulate immune responses and modify the susceptibility, clinical course, and response to the treatment of neurological infections.SUMMARY: Recognizing and addressing sex and gender differences in neurological infections is crucial for tailoring diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. Our review underscores the importance of considering sex and gender in clinical practice and research to improve patient care and outcomes.

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KW - encephalitis

KW - meningitis

KW - neurological infections

KW - sex differences

KW - Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology

KW - Humans

KW - Sex Factors

KW - Female

KW - Male

KW - Sex Characteristics

KW - Central Nervous System Infections/epidemiology

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M3 - Review article

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SN - 1350-7540

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JO - Current Opinion in Neurology

JF - Current Opinion in Neurology

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ER -

Sex and gender differences in neurological infections

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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