RECURRENT CONDYLOMATA ACUMINATA - HOW ROUTINE IMMEDIATE AND DELAYED-HYPERSENSITIVITY PARAMETERS MIGHT PROVIDE A CLUE TO THEIR IMMUNOPATHOGENESIS

In 30 male patients suffering from recurrent condylomata acuminata, im mediate hypersensitivity parameters (total IgE, PTT and prick tests) a nd delayed hypersensitivity against seven recall antigens (multi test) were studied. Thirty healthy male volunteers, matched in age, were th e controls. Significantly higher immediate hypersensitivity activity w as shown in the patient group. Qualitative evaluation of delayed type hypersensitivity showed that controls had a positive test 16 times mor e often than patients. A rather homogeneous suppression of delayed typ e hypersensitivity was found in the patient group mainly as regards th e presumably most common antigens vs. the control group. This suppress ion was proved to be related to disease duration. The hypothesis of a CD4+ Th-2 lymphocyte predominance in recurrent condylomata, owed to lo ngstanding or repetitive antigenic stimulation seems to adequately exp lain the findings of the present study.