What makes males more vulnerable?
The majority of cases of polio in Nigeria, and in the world, occur in males. Males are also more likely than females to die from or be paralyzed by polio. This suggests a possible genetic or biological factor. Bruno (2002) suggests that some of the protein molecules in the fetus can later become poliovirus "receptors."
How can we look at biological or genetic factors in Nigerian males? It would be exceedingly challenging to recruit Nigerian males (even adults, but especially children) to participate in genetic studies that could be potentially invasive. Such research would also be time-consuming and expensive.
There is no suggestion in any research or literature thus far that Nigerian males are more susceptible to polio, only that males in general are. Thus we can examine research that has already been done on this topic to find answers that we need. Finding out about biological sensitivities would be useful in developing new prevention strategies.
Biology is not the only possible explantion for the gender difference. There is the potential for social differences that could increase the likelihood of polio in one gender over another. These could be examined through an analysis of existing population data, such as the socioeconomic information available on the WHO website.
How can we look at biological or genetic factors in Nigerian males? It would be exceedingly challenging to recruit Nigerian males (even adults, but especially children) to participate in genetic studies that could be potentially invasive. Such research would also be time-consuming and expensive.
There is no suggestion in any research or literature thus far that Nigerian males are more susceptible to polio, only that males in general are. Thus we can examine research that has already been done on this topic to find answers that we need. Finding out about biological sensitivities would be useful in developing new prevention strategies.
Biology is not the only possible explantion for the gender difference. There is the potential for social differences that could increase the likelihood of polio in one gender over another. These could be examined through an analysis of existing population data, such as the socioeconomic information available on the WHO website.