INTRODUCTION
Molluscum contagiosum is a highly contagious, benign neoplastic, infectious dermatologic disease.1 It is commonly seen in children, sexually active young adults, and immunosuppressed patients.2,3
MC is a member of the poxviridae family which includes variola (smallpox), monkeypox, and cowpox. Unlike monkeypox and cowpox (caused by vaccinia virus (VV)), which infect both animals and humans, MCV and VV are unique in that humans are the only host and reservoir for MCV (Figure 1).2
The prevalence of active infection in children vs adults occurs at a 9:1 ratio. This is due to a variety of factors, such as childhood exposure to high-risk environments like daycares, the higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis in childhood, and increased immunity in adults due to prior exposure. Immunity to MCV varies significantly in different geographic regions; but adults tend to have a higher seroprevalence of anti-MCV antibodies than children, ranging from 6% to 30%.4 This higher seroprevalence may confer increased immunity and help explain the lower incidence of MC in adults. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that recovery from MCV does not prevent future infection.5
MC is caused by a double stranded DNA virus with a brick-shaped morphology known as the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).1,6 There are 4 subtypes of MCV: MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, and MVC-4. MCV-1 is most frequently encountered overall (75-96%) and it is also commonly seen in pediatric patients. MCV-2 is typically identified in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).1,2 MCV-3 and MCV-4 infections are extremely rare and predominate in Asia and Australia.3
The characteristic presentation of MC is smooth, skin-colored papules with central umbilication.6 In pediatric age groups, MC lesions are usually found on the trunk, face, and extremities, and rarely on the palms and soles. For
MC is a member of the poxviridae family which includes variola (smallpox), monkeypox, and cowpox. Unlike monkeypox and cowpox (caused by vaccinia virus (VV)), which infect both animals and humans, MCV and VV are unique in that humans are the only host and reservoir for MCV (Figure 1).2
The prevalence of active infection in children vs adults occurs at a 9:1 ratio. This is due to a variety of factors, such as childhood exposure to high-risk environments like daycares, the higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis in childhood, and increased immunity in adults due to prior exposure. Immunity to MCV varies significantly in different geographic regions; but adults tend to have a higher seroprevalence of anti-MCV antibodies than children, ranging from 6% to 30%.4 This higher seroprevalence may confer increased immunity and help explain the lower incidence of MC in adults. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that recovery from MCV does not prevent future infection.5
MC is caused by a double stranded DNA virus with a brick-shaped morphology known as the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).1,6 There are 4 subtypes of MCV: MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, and MVC-4. MCV-1 is most frequently encountered overall (75-96%) and it is also commonly seen in pediatric patients. MCV-2 is typically identified in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).1,2 MCV-3 and MCV-4 infections are extremely rare and predominate in Asia and Australia.3
The characteristic presentation of MC is smooth, skin-colored papules with central umbilication.6 In pediatric age groups, MC lesions are usually found on the trunk, face, and extremities, and rarely on the palms and soles. For
