Significance of interferon gamma in the prediction of successful therapy of common warts by intralesional injection of Candida antigen.

BACKGROUND

Treatment of common warts remains a continuing challenge for both patients and physicians. Recently, intralesional immunotherapy by different antigens has proved efficacious in the treatment of warts, however, no definite predictive factors for successful therapy have been established. Herein, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of Candida antigen in the treatment of common warts and the significance of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the prediction of successful therapy.

METHODS

The study included 54 patients with multiple common warts. A blood sample was collected from patients before therapy, cultured, and treated with Candida antigen for evaluation of IFN-γ. Candida antigen was directly injected into the largest wart at 2-week intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of five treatments. Follow-up was made for 6 months to detect any recurrence.

RESULTS

Complete clearance of the lesions was seen in 61.1% of the studied patients. IFN-γ was statistically higher in responded cases as compared to nonresponders. Adverse effects were insignificant, and no recurrence of warts was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Candida antigen is a promising, effective, and safe immunotherapeutic modality for common warts, and IFN-γ may serve as a good predictor of its therapeutic response.