Gender differences in Community-acquired Pneumonia.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common type of lower respiratory tract infection and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults worldwide. Sex and gender play an active role in the incidence and outcomes of major infectious diseases, including CAP. Some studies have reported higher male susceptibility to pulmonary infections and higher risk of death due to sepsis, but others have found the opposite effect. Biological differences (e.g. hormonal cycles and cellular immune- mediated responses) together with cultural, behavioral and socio-economic differences are important determinants of the course and outcome of CAP. Identify gender differences in CAP can guide patient's prognostication and management. The purpose of this review is to provide the available literature evidences about gender's influence on the clinical course of CAP in order to optimize the assessment, monitoring and treatment of this disease and to reduce its negative outcomes.