Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025
03:53
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
1.2K
Sex-specific disparities in COVID-19 outcomes
Zubaid Rafique1, Valerie Durkalski-Mauldin2, William F Peacock3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Henry J N Taub General Hospital Houston Texas USA.
Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open
|January 29, 2024
Summary
COVID-19 progression was similar between males and females after adjusting for key factors. However, males presenting later with symptoms showed worse outcomes, despite higher antibody increases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Sex-specific disparities in COVID-19 severity and mortality are not fully understood.
- Neutralizing antibodies (Ab) are investigated for their potential role in protecting against severe COVID-19.
- This study explores the relationship between sex, disease progression, and SARS-CoV-2 antibody response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sex and COVID-19 disease progression.
- To examine the relationship between sex and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody response.
- To analyze sex differences in COVID-19 outcomes within the Convalescent Plasma in Outpatients (C3PO) trial.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory analysis of a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (C3PO).
- Examined severe illness progression (hospitalization, urgent care, or death within 15 days) in patients with SARS-CoV-2.
- Measured SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody levels using the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test assay.
Main Results:
- Unadjusted analysis showed higher disease progression in males (36.7%) compared to females (25.9%).
- Adjusted analysis for treatment, age, viremia, symptom onset, and tobacco use eliminated significant sex disparities in progression.
- A significant sex disparity favoring females was observed in patients presenting 3 or more days after symptom onset (adjusted risk difference 12.6%).
- Mean baseline antibody levels were similar, but antibody increase from baseline to day 15 was greater in males.
Conclusions:
- Adjusted COVID-19 progression was similar between sexes, but males presenting later showed worse outcomes.
- Increased neutralizing antibody levels in males did not correlate with observed sex differences in outcomes.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of sex, immune response, and COVID-19 severity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
315
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
315
02:45The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
8.5K
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
8.5K
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
11.8K
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
11.8K
01:43Sex-linked Disorders
102.1K
Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
102.1K
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
419
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
419
01:05Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
15.1K
A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
15.1K