Specific immunity in patients suffering from recurring warts before and after repetitive intradermal tests with human papilloma virus

Abstract

The specific humoral and cellular immunity of 22 patients with multiple or recurring warts was studied. After repeated intradermal tests, using an inactivated, purified viral antigen, the responses obtained could be classed into 2 groups. The 1st group (10 patients) was characterized immunologically by the acquisition of a specific cellular immunity and the appearance of circulating Ig[immunoglobulin]G antibodies, and clinically by a total regression of resolution of the warts 2-3 wk after the final intradermal test. The 2nd group (12 patients) was characterized immunologically by a weak or non-existence specific immune response, and clinically by the unmodified persistence of the warts.