Combined bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine and Candida antigen versus Candida antigen alone in the treatment of recalcitrant warts.

BACKGROUND

The burden of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-associated diseases is consistently growing worldwide. Several combination therapies are being tested nowadays for the treatment of recalcitrant warts, with promising results.

AIMS

To evaluate the potential therapeutic role of combined bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix) and Candida antigen versus candida antigen alone in the treatment of multiple recalcitrant warts.

PATIENTS/METHODS: Forty patients with recalcitrant warts were enrolled into this study. They were divided into two groups (A and B), each including 20 patients. Patients in the group (A) received intralesional Candida antigen injection alone for five sessions at 2-week intervals. Patients in the group B received combined treatment of bivalent recombinant HPV vaccine and intralesional Candida antigen. Candida antigen was administered as in the group A, while Cervarix vaccine was given intramuscularly at 0, 1, and 6 months as scheduled. Follow-up was made monthly for 6 months to detect any possible recurrence.

RESULTS

Eight patients (40%) in the group (A) showed complete clearance of warts after intralesional Candida antigen injection alone, while 14 patients (70%) in the group (B) showed complete regression of warts after the combined therapy. No significant side effects were reported in both groups, and no recurrence was detected.

CONCLUSION

Bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine combined with Candida antigen is a promising, effective, and safe modality for the treatment of multiple recalcitrant warts.