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