Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a common benign viral cutaneous infection caused by a DNA pox virus , observed generally in childrenAcronym MC used in this chart to denote Molluscum contagiosum

Caused by a poxvirus of the molluscipox genus in the Poxviridae family Four major subtypes MCV 1 to 4MCV -1 is the most common subtype ( 98 % in US )MCV -2 affects teenagers and adults and is mainly sexually transmitted( including HIV ) MC seen in HIV does not represent recurrence of childhood MCV infection

MC is very common but exact prevalence is uncertain Occurs worldwide - ↑ prevalent in tropical areas Rare in children under 1 yrs of age - occurs typically in 2-5 yr age group In children annual incidence ranges from 2% to 10 % and its prevalence from 5.1 % to 11.5 % MC is associated with poverty , poor hygiene and over crowded conditions Use of community swimming polls is correlated with childhood infections Less common in adults & the spread is mainly by sexual contact Vertical transmission - from mother to infant can happen but is rare Individuals with immunodeficiency ( particularly HIV ) and atopic dermatitis are at ↑↑ risk H/O eczema was...