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Intralesional immunotherapy for molluscum contagiosum: A review
Author(s) -
Wells Amy,
Saikaly Sami K.,
Schoch Jennifer J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1111/dth.14386
Subject(s) - medicine , molluscum contagiosum , immunotherapy , measles , rubella , dermatology , clearance , common warts , rubella vaccine , immunology , vaccination , immune system , human papillomavirus , urology
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common cutaneous viral infection with no standard treatment. The virus responsible for MC is thought to be cleared by cell mediated immunity (CMI). Intralesional immunotherapy that stimulates CMI has been shown to be an effective treatment for other cutaneous viruses. In this review, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional immunotherapy in the treatment of MC. Articles met inclusion criteria if they examined the effects of intralesional immunotherapy as a treatment for MC, with a clear outcome and reproducible methodology. 228 studies were screened and 10 studies met criteria for inclusion. Intralesional immunotherapies investigated included candida, combined measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, tuberculin purified protein derivative, vitamin D3, interferon α, and Streptococcal substrain OK‐432. Studies demonstrated clearance of MC lesions following intralesional immunotherapy, with complete response rates between 36% and 100%. No serious adverse effects were noted. Intralesional immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for MC in pediatric and adult patients.