Which treatment option is used for genital warts?

Which treatment option is used for genital warts?

• A. Imiquimod cream
• B. Acyclovir
• C. Metronidazole
• D. Fluconazole

Answer: (A)

Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus, and effective treatment often focuses on boosting the local immune response to clear the virus and remove the warts. Imiquimod cream is a topical immune response modifier that directly engages the skin’s immune system. It activates receptors that lead to production of antiviral cytokines, such as interferon, and recruits immune cells to attack HPV-infected cells. This helps shrink or clear the warts over several weeks and can be used by patients at home, making it a convenient and appropriate first-line option for external genital and perianal warts. Acyclovir, on the other hand, targets herpes simplex virus and has no activity against HPV, so it isn’t effective for genital warts. Metronidazole is used for anaerobic bacterial infections and certain parasites, not HPV-related lesions. Fluconazole treats fungal infections like candidiasis, not warts.

Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus, and effective treatment often focuses on boosting the local immune response to clear the virus and remove the warts. Imiquimod cream is a topical immune response modifier that directly engages the skin’s immune system. It activates receptors that lead to production of antiviral cytokines, such as interferon, and recruits immune cells to attack HPV-infected cells. This helps shrink or clear the warts over several weeks and can be used by patients at home, making it a convenient and appropriate first-line option for external genital and perianal warts.

Acyclovir, on the other hand, targets herpes simplex virus and has no activity against HPV, so it isn’t effective for genital warts. Metronidazole is used for anaerobic bacterial infections and certain parasites, not HPV-related lesions. Fluconazole treats fungal infections like candidiasis, not warts.