Gender-based variation in selected indices of immunity in human immunodeficiency virus and malaria infections

Abstract

The impact of sex and gender on immunological responses is significant, leading to distinct disease progression in men and women. This factor highlights the need for further research to develop effective treatment strategies tailored to each gender for serious conditions like HIV and malaria, including co infections. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish gender-based variations in certain indices of immunity in Human Immunodeficiency Virus, malaria, and their co-infection. Three hundred participants (300) who had given consent to participate were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=100; 50 males and 50 females with HIV infection). Group 2 (n=100; 50 males and 50 females with malaria infection). Group 3 (n=100; 50 males and 50 females with HIV-malaria co-infection). Blood
samples collected from each participant were analyzed using a standard procedure. The CD4 and CD3 counts were significantly higher in males with HIV, malaria, and malaria-HIV co-infection compared to females. No significant difference in vitamin C and E levels between males and females was observed. In conclusion, this study suggests that the suppressive effect of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on immunity is more pronounced in women than in men. However, its impact on blood vitamin
concentration in both sexes is similar.