Efficacy of Intralesional Candida Injection in the Treatment of Cutaneous Warts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #antigens-fungal #candida #injections-intralesional #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Efficacy of Intralesional Candida Injection in the Treatment of Cutaneous Warts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Chang et al., 2024 | Acta Derm Venereol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Chang Chin-Hsuan, Sung Zih-Yi, Huang Yu-Chen. Efficacy of Intralesional Candida Injection in the Treatment of Cutaneous Warts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Acta Derm Venereol. 2024-Oct-18;104:adv40819. doi:10.2340/actadv.v104.40819

Abstract

Recent studies that examined the treatment efficacy of Candida antigen injection for both non-genital and genital warts yield inconsistent results. To address this, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, comparing the treatment response between Candida antigen injection therapy and other intralesional immunotherapies across all types of warts. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to 16 September 2023, and 24 eligible RCTs were identified. A protocol was developed using the PRISM A-P checklist. In terms of complete clearance, intralesional Candida injection therapy demonstrated a significant improvement compared with saline (risk ratio [RR] 5.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.49-8.33; I2=0%). However, no statistically significant differences were observed when compared with other therapies such as mumps-measles-rubella vaccines, purified protein derivative, vitamin D3, bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine, and zinc sulphate. Adverse effects associated with intralesional Candida therapy were generally reported as mild and manageable. In conclusion, intralesional Candida injection therapy for cutaneous warts may exhibit a superior complete and distant response rate. Nevertheless, owing to a limited sample size and other limitations, future research should aim for larger studies to provide more conclusive evidence.

Key Findings

Nevertheless, owing to a limited sample size and other limitations, future research should aim for larger studies to provide more conclusive evidence.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Candida
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Warts

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: zinc

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09