Sex Differences in Susceptibility to Infection: An Evolutionary Perspective -- Effects of Sex Steroids on Innate and Adaptive Immunity -- Sex Steroid Receptors in Immune Cells -- Sex Differences in Susceptibility to Viral Infection -- Sex Differences in Innate Immune Responses to Bacterial Pathogens -- Sex Hormones and Regulation of Host Responses Against Parasites -- Sex Differences in Parasitic Infections: Beyond the Dogma of Female-Biased Resistance -- Progesterone, Pregnancy, and Innate Immunity -- Pregnancy and Susceptibility to Parasites -- Sex Steroids and Risk of Female Genital Tract Infection -- Sex, Pregnancy and Measles -- Epilogue: Challenges for the Future.

Why sex matters Among human and nonhuman animals, the prevalence and intensity of infection typically is higher in males than females and may reflect differences in exposure as well as susceptibility to pathogens. Elevated immunity among females is a double-edged sword in which it is beneficial against infectious diseases but is detrimental in terms of increased development of autoimmune diseases. The present book critically reviews the evolutionary origin and the functional mechanisms responsible for sexual dimorphism in response to infection. It emphasizes the value of examining responses in both males and females to improve our understanding about host-pathogen interactions in both sexes. The contributors are experts in their specific disciplines which range from microbiology and immunology to genetics, pathology, and evolutionary biology. The book aims at bringing insight to the treatment and management of infectious diseases; it delineates areas where knowledge is lacking and highlights future avenues of research.