[Molluscum contagiosum--a common but poorly understood "childhood disease" and sexually transmitted illness]. 2013

Ingo Stock
Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Parasitologie, Abteilung Pharmazeutische Mikrobiologie, Universität Bonn, Bonn. Ingo_Stock@web.de

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease of the skin characterized by discrete, multiple, flesh-colored papules. It is caused by a highly infectious, enveloped deoxyribonucleic acid virus, called molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). Molluscum contagiosum is very common in children, sexually active adults and immunocompromised patients, especially those who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. MCV transmission usually takes place through direct skin-to-skin contact. Infections in childhood are often linked to swimming-pool attendance. Adults are infected usually through sexual contact. An intimate skin-to-skin contact is sufficient for transmission of the virus. In immunocompetent adults, the warts remain in the genital area and adjacent regions of the skin. In children and patients with immunocompromised conditions, however, various regions of the body are usually affected. Therapy of molluscum contagiosum should be undertaken in an individualized manner, a specific treatment does not exist. For the treatment, physical methods such as curettage and cryotherapy, topic acids (e. g., acetic acid) and alkalis (e. g., potassium hydroxide), some other topical agents such as cantharidin and imiquimod, as well as several systemic agents the pharmacological treatments is, however, sparse. Effective prevention is problematic due to the high infectivity of the virus. A vaccine is not available.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008976 Molluscum Contagiosum A common, benign, usually self-limited viral infection of the skin and occasionally the conjunctivae by a poxvirus (MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM VIRUS). (Dorland, 27th ed)
D008977 Molluscum contagiosum virus A species of MOLLUSCIPOXVIRUS causing skin lesions in humans. It is transmitted by direct contact or from non-living reservoirs (fomites), such as books or clothing. Molluscum contagiosum viruses
D002648 Child A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL. Children
D003475 Curettage A scraping, usually of the interior of a cavity or tract, for removal of new growth or other abnormal tissue, or to obtain material for tissue diagnosis. It is performed with a curet (curette), a spoon-shaped instrument designed for that purpose. (From Stedman, 25th ed & Dorland, 27th ed) Curettages
D003937 Diagnosis, Differential Determination of which one of two or more diseases or conditions a patient is suffering from by systematically comparing and contrasting results of diagnostic measures. Diagnoses, Differential,Differential Diagnoses,Differential Diagnosis
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D012867 Skin The outer covering of the body that protects it from the environment. It is composed of the DERMIS and the EPIDERMIS.
D015229 Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral Viral diseases which are transmitted or propagated by sexual conduct. Venereal Diseases, Viral,Sexually Transmitted Disease, Viral,Viral Sexually Transmitted Disease,Viral Sexually Transmitted Diseases,Viral Venereal Diseases,Disease, Viral Venereal,Diseases, Viral Venereal,Venereal Disease, Viral,Viral Venereal Disease
D016867 Immunocompromised Host A human or animal whose immunologic mechanism is deficient because of an immunodeficiency disorder or other disease or as the result of the administration of immunosuppressive drugs or radiation. Immunosuppressed Host,Immunocompromised Patient,Host, Immunocompromised,Host, Immunosuppressed,Hosts, Immunocompromised,Hosts, Immunosuppressed,Immunocompromised Hosts,Immunocompromised Patients,Immunosuppressed Hosts,Patient, Immunocompromised,Patients, Immunocompromised

Related Publications

Ingo Stock
March 1970, The Practitioner,
Ingo Stock
September 1974, Journal of the American Venereal Disease Association,
Ingo Stock
February 1984, British medical journal (Clinical research ed.),
Ingo Stock
January 1984, British medical journal (Clinical research ed.),
Ingo Stock
April 2017, La Revue de medecine interne,
Ingo Stock
November 1990, The Medical clinics of North America,
Ingo Stock
February 2024, Archivos de la Sociedad Espanola de Oftalmologia,
Ingo Stock
February 2006, International journal of dermatology,
Copied contents to your clipboard!