SeXX Matters in Infectious Disease Pathogenesis

Abstract

We often use the terms "sex" and "gender" interchangeably in infectious diseases research, which is incorrect because these terms refer to different aspects of biology and behavior. The term "sex" refers to biological characteristics that define males and females, including the basic organization of chromosomes, reproductive organs, and circulating sex steroid hormone concentrations. Gender refers to the roles, behaviors, and activities that are defined by social or cultural norms, including gender norms associated with education, occupation, and healthseeking behaviors