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.