Chromosome 11q13 and atopy underlying atopic eczema

Genetic linkage has been reported between atopic respiratory disease and chromosome site 11q13. We recruited 95 multiplex families through probands with active atopic eczema. Linkage analyses between atopy and markers on 11q13 excluded a major susceptibility locus for atopy in this region. Nor was there significant deviation from the expected proportions of alleles shared by affected sib-pairs. When we analysed families according to parental atopic phenotype, we observed a positive lod score (0.8) in 19 families with unaffected fathers, in contrast to markedly negative scores for other combinations of affected parental phenotype. The possibility of a maternal influence on the inheritance of atopy cannot, therefore, be excluded.