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from Section 2 - Infections in Pregnancy
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 October 2019
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a benign, skin infection.
It presents as pearly dome‐shaped papules, with a central dell or depression. It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) which is the most common poxvirus to infect humans.
Poxviruses are brick-shaped (240 nm by 300 nm) and have a complex internal structure including a double-stranded DNA genome (130–260 kb) and associated enzymes.
Poxvirus infections are characterised by the production of skin lesions. Smallpox, a poxvirus with serious consequences, has been eradicated since 1980.
Varicella or chickenpox is not the same group as the smallpox and other poxviruses. The virus has three genotypes, but the MCV genotype 1 is responsible for 98 per cent of cases of MC in the United States. The genotype MCV 2 is responsible for sexually transmitted MC, and consequently is not detected in children prior to sexual debut. Genotype 3 is also associated with congenital infection.
The genotype MCV 2 has been detected in vaginal lesion specimens.
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