Do Genetic Mutations and Genotypes Contribute to Onychomycosis?

Background: The variability in susceptibility to onychomycosis for individuals exposed to the same environmental risk factors raises the possibility that there may be individuals with a genetic predisposition to dermatophyte infection. Objective: To determine whether there are genetic mutations or genotypes which contribute to onychomycosis. Methods:The PubMed database was searched for examples of immune deficiencies resulting in dermatophyte infections. Results:There are mutations in the innate immune receptors Dectin-1 and its adaptor protein CARD9 which result in familial mucocutaneous infections. There are also specific human leukocyte antigen genotypes that are more common in individuals and families with a high prevalence of onychomycosis. In addition, some patients have been reported with insufficient levels of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. These deficits impair a full innate and adaptive immune response and may result in chronic or recurrent infections. Conclusions:There are documented mutations and genotypes that contribute to familial and individual susceptibility to onychomycosis. (C) 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel