A New Overview of Sex Bias in Fungal Infections

Abstract

Fungal infections often disproportionately affect males over females. Since the NIH mandated in 2016 that researchers test their hypotheses in both biological sexes, numerous other fungal infections/colonizations have been found to exhibit sex-specific patterns. These patterns have been observed in various species, including mice, drosophila, cats, and bats, suggesting significant implications for understanding these diseases and developing treatments. Despite the recognition of this sex bias, primary research explaining its underlying causes or mechanisms remains limited. Current evidence suggests that potential causes might be linked to sex hormones, genetic expression, and evolutionary behaviors. This review consolidates recent data on sex bias in fungal infections or colonizations among different species and proposes future research directions to address existing gaps. Thus, this review advances the comprehension of the intricate relationships between biological sex, fungal infections, and broader health implications.

Keywords

• fungal infections/colonizations
• sex susceptibility
• biological sex
• microbiome