The genetic epidemiology of tinea versicolor in China

Abstract

SummaryTo study the clinical and epidemiological profile of Pityriasis versicolor (PV) and to determine the possible genetic model for PV in Chinese Han, we investigated 503 patients with PV who were recruited by a questionnaire method. Statistical analysis, heritability and complex segregation analysis were performed using EPI INFO 6.0, SPSS 10.0, the Falconer method and the SAGE-REGTL programs. In the total 503 PV patients, the mean age of onset was 22.85 ± 10.36 years. For male and female patients, the peak ages of initial onset were both 20-29 years. A total of 106 (21.1%) patients were reported to have a positive family history of PV. The mean age of onset in males with positive family history was earlier than those with negative family history (t = 3.58, P < 0.01). Higher rate of recurrence and longer duration were seen in the patients with positive family history than those with negative family history. The heritability of PV in first-, second-and third-degree relatives was 48.13%, 40.11% and 27.20% respectively. Based on the REGTL results, the best model was a polygenic additive model for PV.

Aspectos clínicos de pacientes com pitiríase versicolor atendidos em um centro de referência em dermatologia tropical na cidade de Manaus (AM), Brasil

“…Several works in the literature studied pityriasis versicolor in relation to gender. Many studies show higher prevalence in male subjects, [10][11][12][13] while in other studies female patients were more affected. Apparently, there is no predominance between genders.…”

“…These authors believe that there is a polygenetic and multifactorial inheritance and that in these cases the disease occurs earlier, has long duration, and recurrences are more frequent. 13 Other predisposing factors were use of oil or moisturizers in the skin and the use of occlusive clothing. These habits may predispose the individual to the development of lesions.…”

What factors contribute to a higher frequency of skin infections among adults in Mauritius?

“…Luk et al [28] also reported a significant relationship between family history of atopy and eczema, indicating a correlation between positive family history and eczema [33]. Similarly, He et al [22] observed that in respondents with a positive family history of Tinea versicolor, infection was recurrent and it lasted longer than in those with a negative family history.…”

“…These results are consistent with several studies. For instance, Mahmoudabadi et al [20], Rasi et al [21] and He et al [22] found that more males were affected with versicolor infection than women in Iran and China respectively. However, among children, the most common dermatophyte infection is Tinea capitis [6].…”

“…All these findings were in line with this current study. In the case of versicolor infection, He et al [22] stated that climate has the greatest impact on appearance, spread and relapse of Tinea versicolor. Athlete's foot was the third most prevalent skin infection.…”