Premium
Significance of interferon gamma in the prediction of successful therapy of common warts by intralesional injection of Candida antigen
Author(s) -
Nofal Ahmad,
Marei Ayman,
Amer Amin,
Amen Hanaa
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/ijd.13709
Subject(s) - medicine , common warts , immunotherapy , antigen , adverse effect , interferon gamma , interferon , candida infections , immunology , dermatology , gastroenterology , antifungal , immune system , human papillomavirus
Abstract 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.