Background: Dengue infection can occur as epidemics in India. If early treatment is not instituted it has high mortality. Currently there is no specific antiviral drug or vaccine available for treatment of dengue, preventive measures play a crucial role in controlling the infection and reducing mortality. Sex and gender are major factors which impact incidence, severity and response to vaccination and therapy in dengue, so that preventive measures may be targeted to the at risk population.

Aims: The aim of the study is to analyse gender patterns in dengue and its impact on the severity of dengue.

Materials and Methods: A total of 132 seropositive cases of dengue were analysed for the haematological parameters (haematocrit, blood counts) and serology in association with gender and age of the patients over one month period in November 2016 at KIMS hospital Bengaluru.The relevant data obtained from the microbiology register and haematology report forms was tabulated for analysis.

Results: Our patients were aged 5months-65years with an average of 32years. 30% constituted paediatric group with 70% in non paediatric (>12years) group. There was a male predominance with 55% males, 45% females and male to female ratio of 1.2:1. In the paediatric group we had 45% males (18/40) and 55% females (22/40). The lab parameters showed a rise in haematocrit in 54% of females as against 49% of males and was more marked in paediatric group. Leucopenia was significantly seen in higher proportion of males (44%) as against females (34%). The differential counts showed marginally higher proportion of lymphocytes especially atypical lymphocytes in females compared to males (56%vs 49%). Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were seen in marginally higher proportion of males than females were 29% vs 24% and severe thrombocytopenia was 59% and 54% respectively. NS1 antigen positivity was noted in higher proportion of males compared to females (33% vs 22%) whereas association with antibody was seen in higher proportion of females compared to males 44% vs 35%). 

Conclusion: Gender differences play an important role in prevalence and severity of dengue. Awareness of this factor and implementing preventive measures targeted at the risk population helps to reduce mortality and morbidity of disease.

Keywords: Dengue; Gender; Hematocrit; Leucopenia; Thrombocytopenia; Serology.