ABSTRACT
References Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly resilient, non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus that is tropic for epithelial cells. There have been more than 70 genotypically distinct HPV types identified. The large number of HPV types poses a technical problem in devising vaccines. Alternative methods of inducing an immune response include the use of intralesional skin test antigens (see Chapter 17), topical imiquimod (see Chapter 6), intralesional interferon (see Chapter 12), and contact immunotherapy. All of these methods hold the promise of efficacy, lower risk of recurrence, and an absence of scarring. For now, these agents remain alternative treatments for warts resistant to first-line agents.
