High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Clearance with a Coriolus Versicolor–Based Vaginal Gel

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Non-ablative local therapies are increasingly used in the conservative management of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Coriolus versi-color, an immunomodulatory medicinal mushroom, is one such approach. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a Coriolus versicolor–based vaginal gel on HPV clearance and cervical cytological outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 600 women with cervical HPV infection (300 treated with a Coriolus versi-color–based vaginal gel and 300 receiving standard follow-up). Baseline and six-month follow-up assessments included HPV DNA testing and cervical cytology. Results: Baseline demographic characteristics, HPV genotype distribution, and cytological findings were comparable between the groups. Overall HPV clearance was signifi-cantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (89.3% vs. 44.7%, p < 0.001). Complete clearance of high-risk HPV genotypes, including HPV 16 (77.0% vs. 25.4%, p < 0.001) and HPV 18 (73.9% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.017), was also significantly more frequent among treated women. Cytological normalization occurred more often in the treatment group (88.4% vs. 60.4%, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified use of the vaginal gel as the strongest independent factor associated with HPV clearance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 8.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.05–23.43; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Treatment with a Coriolus versicolor–based vaginal gel was associated with significantly higher rates of high-risk HPV clearance and cervical cytological normalization. These findings suggest that this therapy may represent an effective ad-junct in the conservative management of HPV infection; however, randomized con-trolled trials are warranted to confirm these results.

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