Molluscum Contagiosum

Basics

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a generally benign human disease characterized by multiple small, painless, pearly lesions
Resolution is usually spontaneous in healthy patients in 6–9 mo
MC appears on epithelial surface and spreads through close contact or autoinoculation
Confined to the skin and mucous membranes
5–20% of patients with HIV have coinfection with MC
The extent of molluscum infection correlates inversely with the CD4+ T-cell count
Found worldwide with an incidence of 2–8%, with higher distribution in tropical areas

MC is caused by a double-stranded DNA poxvirus of the Molluscipox genus
Transmission in children is by direct skin-to-skin contact, fomites, or pool or bath water
Usually enters through a small break in the skin
Transmission in adults is most often by sexual contact; autoinoculation is common at any age
There are rare reports of transmission to infants during childbirth

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