An in vivo study of cell-mediated immunity in human warts. Preliminary results

Purified human papilloma virus (HPV) was used to study cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in patients with warts and in controls by means of the intradermal test (IDT). IDT was positive in 75% of patients with past history of warts, in 56% of patients presenting with warts, but in only 7% of controls. Immunofluorescent antibody levels were initially low and increased after injection of HPV antigen in all groups.