[Human poxvirus infections]. / Infections humaines à poxvirus.

Poxvirus (PXV) infections are a common cause of cutaneous signs. In France, certain forms of poxvirus are frequent and benign (molluscum contagiosum), while others are rare but potentially serious (cowpox virus [CPXV]). Whereas only smallpox and molluscum contagiosum viruses have a human reservoir and are transmitted between humans, most poxvirus infections are zoonoses having only animal reservoirs. Only a small number of poxviruses are responsible for infection in humans, but the increasing number of new pets, some of which are exotic, coupled with the rapid rise in international travel are creating a greater risk of transmission of zoonotic PXV to new vectors and of spread of these diseases to new regions throughout the world. In France, molluscum contagiosum, orf and milkers' nodule give rise to numerous consultations and are well known to dermatologists. However, dermatologists must also be able to identify other parapoxviruses of similar presentation to orf; thus, CPXV and monkeypox are considered potentially emergent viruses with a high risk of epidemic and spread due to increasing international transport and the loss of the maximum protection against smallpox. Finally, despite its declared eradication, smallpox is currently being monitored because of the potential risk of reintroduction, whether accidentally or deliberately through bioterrorism.

Neonatal Molluscum contagiosum: five new cases and a literature review.

Congenital or neonatal Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is an unusual infection, barely reported in the literature. In these patients a mechanism of transmission that is neither via contact or sexual transmission should be considered. We describe five cases of neonatal MC and review the cases already published to discuss the possible aetiopathogenic mechanism.

An update on the clinical management of cutaneous molluscum contagiosum.

Molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus infection of the skin that is commonly observed in children. The molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) expresses several gene-products that are involved in its pathogenesis and evasion of the host immune system. MCV can be transmitted both to other sites of the body and to other individuals through direct physical contact as well as fomites. While diagnosis is generally straightforward clinically, management of molluscum contagiosum is controversial. Several treatment options are available for the destruction of individual lesions, but there is insufficient evidence for therapeutic intervention being any more effective than natural, spontaneous resolution. Complex cases, such as infection occurring in immunocompromised patients and in mucocutaneous sites, require an alternative approach to management. Molluscum contagiosum continues to represent a burden on children and parents worldwide.

Molluscum gladiatorum.

Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limited disease that presents as small papules with central umbilication. Similar to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and tinea corporis, participation in wrestling is a risk factor for molluscum infection in children and adults. Referred to as herpes gladiatorum, HSV-1 causes cutaneous or ocular infections in wrestlers. We propose that molluscum contagiosum be referred to as "molluscum gladiatorum" when infection occurs in the context of wrestling. We report a case of a high school wrestler who presented with molluscum lesions on his neck.

[Molluscum contagiosum--a common but poorly understood "childhood disease" and sexually transmitted illness]. / Mollusca contagiosa (Dellwarzen). Eine häufige, aber wenig bekannte "Kinderkrankheit" und sexuell übertragene Erkrankung.

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.

Congenital molluscum contagiosum: report of four cases and review of the literature.

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin and mucous membranes that is caused by infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus. Molluscum contagiosum can be acquired from skin to skin contact which may be during play, in a swimming pool, or through sexual contact. Sexually acquired molluscum is rare in younger children, but becomes quite common during adolescence and young adulthood, after the sexual debut. It has been long known that the human papillomavirus, which causes genital warts, i.e., condyloma accuminatum, can be vertically transmitted through an infected genital tract. Children may not manifest condyloma lesions for a few years. The entity of congenital molluscum has been debated in the literature and only three cases of suspected congenital molluscum have been reported. We report on four more infants with congenital molluscum, two children with congenital lesions, and two children with onset of lesions at 6 weeks of age. Two children had single cutaneous lesions on the extremities and two had lesions of the scalp consistent with the site of cervical pressure. Congenital molluscum appears to be a more common entity than previously reported. Vertical transmission of molluscum should be considered for all infantile cases of molluscum.

An overview of molluscum contagiosum: a viral skin condition.

Molluscum contagiosum is a virus that causes characteristic pearly lesions on the surface of the skin. Small clusters of mollusca are a nuisance rather than a serious health problem. However, the mollusca can be more widespread and disfiguring in people with impaired cell-mediated immunity. Molluscum contagiosum virus is common in children. In adults it can also be contracted during sexual activity and might indicate a need for diagnostic testing for other, more serious sexually transmitted infections in young, sexually active adults.

Time to resolution and effect on quality of life of molluscum contagiosum in children in the UK: a prospective community cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum is one of the 50 most prevalent diseases worldwide, but scarce epidemiological data exist for childhood molluscum contagiosum. We aimed to describe the time to resolution, transmission to household child contacts, and effect on quality of life of molluscum contagiosum in children in the UK. METHODS: Between Jan 1, and Oct 31, 2013, we recruited 306 children with molluscum contagiosum aged between 4 and 15 years in the UK either by referral by general practitioner or self-referral (with diagnosis made by parents by use of the validated Molluscum Contagiosum Diagnostic Tool for Parents [MCDTP]). All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire at recruitment about participant characteristics, transmission, and quality of life. We measured quality of life with the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Participants were prospectively followed up every month to check on their recovery from molluscum contagiosum and transmission to other children in the same household, until the child's lesions were no longer visible. FINDINGS: The mean time to resolution was 13·3 months (SD 8·2). 80 (30%) of 269 cases had not resolved by 18 months; 36 (13%) had not resolved by 24 months. We recorded transmission to other children in the household in 102 (41%) of 250 cases. Molluscum contagiosum had a small effect on quality of life for most participants, although 33 (11%) of 301 participants had a very severe effect on quality of life (CDLQI score >13). A greater number of lesions was associated with a greater effect on quality of life (H=55·8, p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: One in ten children with molluscum contagiosum is likely to have a substantial effect on their quality of life and therefore treatment should be considered for some children, especially those with many lesions or who have been identified as having a severe effect on quality of life. Patients with molluscum contagiosum and their parents need to be given accurate information about the expected natural history of the disorder. Our data provide the most reliable estimates of the expected time to resolution so far and can be used to help set realistic expectations. FUNDING: Wales School of Primary Care Research (WSPCR) and Cardiff University.

Sexually transmitted viruses other than HIV and papillomavirus.

This review has focused on a select group of viruses that can be sexually transmitted. The viruses include the herpesviruses, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, delta virus, non-A, non-B hepatitis virus(es), and molluscum contagiosum. Their impact on the population alone or in association with HIV disease necessitates a clear understanding of their ability to cause infection and of the manifestations of these infections. Characterization of these particular pathogens and treatment have been discussed with respect to the most current data available. Despite the growing sophistication in the field, we are still limited in our endeavors to identify and manage many viral infections. Therefore, measures to prevent transmission are continually being evaluated in an attempt to minimize exposure to these pathogens.

Pediatric molluscum contagiosum: optimal treatment strategies.

Pediatric molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a common pox viridae infection that represents a common public health issue. The spread of the virus among children is rapid and easy. The virus produces a number of substances that block immune response formation in the infected host. Despite the benign and self-limited nature of the condition, one-third of children have symptoms from, or secondary reactions to the infection, including pruritus, erythema and, occasionally, inflammation and pain. Patients with pruritus autoinoculate the virus through scratching, thereby exacerbating their conditions. While adults cope well with unanesthetized curettage of lesions, children require less painful therapeutic options. The options for therapy are manifold. Therapy should begin with gentle skin care and antipruritics to prevent symptoms, and to prevent the spread of the disease. Therapies with good efficacy and low risk of pain for the patient include in-office usage of cantharidin and the use of local anesthetics, such as topical lidocaine (lignocaine) preparations in combination with the curettage of visible lesions. Alternatively, cryosurgery can be performed to eradicate lesions in-office. At-home therapeutics are often preferred by parents and children, and include imiquimod, retinoids, and alpha-hydroxy acids. Although a variety of such at-home therapies are available, none are as effective or as rapid acting as in-office therapy. Further research in large clinical trials is required to increase knowledge on prevention, optimal treatment, and long-term outcome with this disease.

Molluscum contagiosum in Dutch general practice.

BACKGROUND: While molluscum contagiosum is considered to be a frequently encountered disease, few data on its incidence are known. AIM: The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of molluscum contagiosum in Dutch general practice and to assess the importance of venereal molluscum contagiosum. METHOD: Data were taken from the national survey of morbidity and interventions in general practice, drawn from 103 practices across the Netherlands, with a study population of 332300. RESULTS: The infection appeared to be common in childhood (cumulative incidence 17% in those aged under 15 years); the adult, sexually transmitted, form was rare. Incidence was higher between January and June than between July and December. Cases were unequally divided between recording practices, which is though to have been caused by the occurrence of small epidemics. CONCLUSION: The incidence of molluscum contagiosum in Dutch general practice was found to be 2.4 per 1000 person years. Molluscum contagiosum should still be considered as a mainly paediatric disease.

[Infections transmitted in swimming pools]. / Infections transmises par la fréquentation des piscines

Public swimmingpools can be the source of infections due to micro-organism such as mycobacterium balnei, adeno and enteroviruses, the virus of plantar warts and molluscum contagiosum, the TRIC-Agent of swimmingpool-conjonctivitis and pathogenic fungi. The transmission of trichomonas vaginalis is considered unlikely-Water of pools, supposed to present satisfactory qualities by standard controls, was found to contain pathogenic staphylococci and pseudomonas aeruginosa. Effective preventive measures include the continuous recording of the redox-potential of the water, limiting the number of visitors to pool design specifications, better desinfection of sanitary installations, regular maintenance of technical equipment including frequent backwashing of filters and exclusion of visitors with communicable disease.

Warts and molluscum contagiosum: beware of treatments worse than the disease.

To treat or not to treat, that is the question. Two cutaneous infections, warts and molluscum contagiosum, have evaded eradication for centuries, and the viruses continue to thrive and to expand in number despite all attempts at destruction. Meanwhile, many cases regress spontaneously. In this article, the authors review the characteristics of the viruses involved; discuss their transmission, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations; and assess the effectiveness of available therapies.

[Diagnosis of major sexually transmitted infections in the doctor's office: viral diseases]. / Diagnostik sexuell übertragener Krankheiten: Virusinfektionen. Herpes-, Papilloma- und HI-Viren hinterlassen Spuren

Sexually transmitted infections caused by viruses include infections by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV), the human papillomavirus (HPV), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The diagnosis is established on the basis of clinical presentation and the direct demonstration of the antigen or antibodies.

Molluscum contagiosum: report of one case with overview.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin and mucosal disease of viral origin, caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) virus of poxvirus family. With the eradication of smallpox, MCV is now the only member of the poxvirus family that causes substantial disease in humans. Though frequently reported, its unusual clinical presentation makes its diagnosis a challenging task. We discuss a case of molluscum contagiosum in a 30-year-old woman along with a review of aetiology, histopathology and different possible treatment modalities.

Understanding U.S. healthcare providers' practices and experiences with molluscum contagiosum.

INTRODUCTION: Molluscum contagiosum is a common superficial skin infection caused by the poxvirus, Molluscum Contagiosum virus. The study objective is to obtain a better understanding of physician practices and experiences with molluscum contagiosum in order to focus informational and guidance material. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey to assess medical practitioners' knowledge and practices with molluscum contagiosum was conducted using the 2009 DocStyles survey. Questions regarding category and number of molluscum contagiosum patients seen, treatments used and advice given to patients were included in the survey. RESULTS: Dermatologists saw the most cases, with the majority seeing 51-100 molluscum contagiosum cases/year. The most common cases seen were children with multiple lesions and adults with genital lesions. Respondents were most likely to recommend treatment to immunocompromised individuals, HIV patients, adults with genital lesions and children with multiple lesions. Cryotherapy was the top choice for all specialties with the exception of OB/GYNs, whose top choice was curettage. "Avoid intimate contact until lesions resolve", "Avoid touching lesions to reduce further spread", and "Don't be concerned, this will go away" were the top advice choices. DISCUSSION: Most survey respondents have dealt with molluscum contagiosum in their practice during the previous year. Overall, respondents picked appropriate choices for treatment and advice given; however some ineffective or unnecessary treatments were chosen and recommendations to prevent spread were chosen infrequently. Knowledge gaps for appropriate transmission precaution advice might cause unnecessary spread or autoinoculation. This survey has demonstrated that molluscum contagiosum is a common infection seen by many types of practitioners and therefore guidance on treatment considerations and infection control is valuable.