The use of interferon alpha-2b in the complex treatment of candidal infections of the skin and mucous membranes in dermatological patients receiving long-term antibiotic
DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2026-10-6-4
The use of interferon alpha-2b in the complex treatment of candidal infections of the skin and mucous membranes in dermatological patients receiving long-term antibiotic therapy
V.Yu. Rudakova1, M.A. Gureeva1,2, M.A. Ivanyuk1, Yu.A. Dobrovolnaya2, I.V. Polesko3, A.V. Molochkov1,2
1State University of Education, Moscow, Russian Federation
2Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation
3Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Background: patients with chronic dermatoses who receive long-term antibacterial therapy are often susceptible to skin and mucosal candidiasis. The infection is characterized by a common recurrent course due to impossibility of complete elimination of the pathogen. Recently, adjuvant immunotherapy intended to reduce incidence of candidiasis is strongly focused.
Aim: to study clinical and microbiological effectiveness of preparation of recombinant interferon (IFN) alpha-2b with antioxidants (as rectal suppositories) in the context of combined therapy of candidiasis.
Materials and Methods: a prospective single-center study involved 59 patients aged 18–60 years with skin and mucosal candidiasis was conducted. All the subjects underwent a full clinical examination.
Depending on therapy received, they were randomized into 3 groups: Group 1 (n=18) received only conventional antifungal therapy with fluconazole (150 mg on Day 1 followed by 50 mg/day within 9 days); Group 2 (n=22) received fluconazole according to a similar regimen + preparation of recombinant IFN alpha-2b with antioxidants (1000000 IU/day rectally for 10 days); and Group 3 (n=19) received fluconazole according to a similar regimen + preparation of recombinant IFN alpha-2b with antioxidants (3000000 IU/day rectally for 10 days). Candidiasis was diagnosed by cultural examination of skin and mucosal specimens combined with determination of the pathogen species and Candida spp. titers.
Results: good immediate clinical results were achieved in all three groups. A microbiological study conducted in 2 days after the end of the treatment course showed no significant decrease in Candida spp. titers in the Group 1. After the fluconazole therapy course, average Candida spp. titers decreased from 7.2×106 to 4.3×105 CFU/ml (p=0,24). In the Group 2, average Candida spp. titers significantly decreased from 6.3×106 CFU/ml to 1.5×104CFU/ml (p=0.0032). In the Group 3, average Candida spp. titers significantly decreased from 3.8×107 CFU/ml to 4.1×103 CFU/ml (p=0.0014).
Conclusion: preparation of recombinant IFN alpha-2b with antioxidants used for combined treatment in patients with clinical manifestations of skin and mucosal candidiasis caused by long-term antibacterial therapy, provides significant improvement in microbiological parameters in the setting of good clinical effectiveness.
Keywords: candidiasis, chronic dermatosis, immunotherapy, interferon α-2b.
For citation: Rudakova V.Yu., Gureeva M.A., Ivanyuk M.A., Dobrovolnaya Yu.A., Polesko I.V., Molochkov A.V. The use of interferon alpha-2b in the complex treatment of candidal infections of the skin and mucous membranes in dermatological patients receiving long-term antibiotic therapy. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2026;10(6) (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2026-10-6-4
About the authors:
Violetta Yu. Rudakova — Medical Resident of the Course of Dermatovenerology at the Department of Pediatric Diseases, State University of Education; 10A build. 2, Radio str., Moscow, 105005, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0009-0001-9393-7972
Marina A. Gureeva — C. Sc. (Med.), Assistant Professor of the Department of Dermatovenerology and Dermato-Oncology, Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute; 61/2, Shchepkin str., Moscow, 129110, Russian Federation; Assistant Professor at the Department of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, State University of Education; 10A build. 2, Radio str., Moscow, 105005, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0001-8212-6210
Marina A. Ivanyuk — Teaching Assistant of the Department of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, State University of Education; 10A build. 2, Radio str., Moscow, 105005, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0009-0006-6522-092X
Yulia A. Dobrovolnaya — Dermatovenerologist at the Department of Dermatovenerology, Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute; 61/2, Shchepkin str., Moscow, 129110, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0009-0007-1987-6597
Irina V. Polesko — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Professor, Professor of the Department of Skin Diseases and Cosmetology of the Institute of Continuing Education and Professional Development, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University; 1 build. 6, Ostrovityanov str., Moscow, 117437, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-6041-717X
Anton V. Molochkov — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Dermatovenerology and Dermatooncology of the Faculty of Advanced Medical Training, Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute; 61/2, Shchepkin str., Moscow, 129110, Russian Federation; Head of the Department of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, State University of Education; 10A build. 2, Radio str., Moscow, 105005, Russian Federation;ORCID iD 0000-0002-6456-998X
Contact information: Marina A. Gureeva, e-mail: marina.gureeva@mail.ru
Financial Disclosure: no authors have a financial or property interest in any material or method mentioned.
There is no conflict of interest.
Received 30.10.2025.
Revised 26.11.2025.
Accepted 19.12.2025.
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