Molluscum contagiosum virus

Definition

Molluscum contagiosum virus is a member of the Poxviridae family, specifically known for causing a skin infection characterized by raised, round lesions on the skin. This virus is significant in the study of clinically important DNA viruses due to its unique replication strategy and its ability to evade the host's immune response.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Molluscum contagiosum virus primarily spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, making it common among children and sexually active adults.
2. The lesions caused by the virus can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to resolve, and they can remain contagious until completely healed.
3. In immunocompromised individuals, molluscum contagiosum can lead to more extensive and persistent skin lesions, requiring medical intervention.
4. Diagnosis is typically based on the appearance of the lesions; however, in atypical cases, laboratory testing may be necessary.
5. Treatment options include cryotherapy, curettage, and topical therapies, but many cases resolve spontaneously without intervention.

Review Questions

• How does the transmission of molluscum contagiosum virus differ among various populations?
  • Transmission of molluscum contagiosum virus mainly occurs through direct skin-to-skin contact. Children are particularly susceptible due to close contact during play and activities. In sexually active adults, the virus can spread through sexual contact. Understanding these differences in transmission helps inform public health strategies for preventing outbreaks in vulnerable populations.
• What are the implications of molluscum contagiosum virus in immunocompromised individuals compared to healthy individuals?
  • In immunocompromised individuals, molluscum contagiosum can lead to more severe manifestations, with widespread and persistent lesions that are harder to treat. This contrasts with healthy individuals, where lesions are usually localized and self-limiting. The increased risk in immunocompromised patients highlights the need for vigilance and potentially aggressive treatment options to manage infections effectively.
• Evaluate the role of immune evasion strategies employed by molluscum contagiosum virus in its pathology and clinical presentation.
  • Molluscum contagiosum virus employs various immune evasion strategies that enable it to persist in host tissues without being cleared by the immune system. These strategies include modulating host immune responses and inhibiting apoptosis in infected cells. As a result, this leads to the characteristic lesions seen in infected individuals and poses challenges for effective vaccine development. Understanding these mechanisms could guide future therapeutic approaches against poxvirus infections.

Related terms

Poxvirus: A family of viruses that includes molluscum contagiosum and variola virus, known for causing diseases such as smallpox.

Cutaneous Lesions: Abnormal tissue growths on the skin, which can be a symptom of various viral infections, including those caused by molluscum contagiosum.

Immunocompromised: A state in which the immune system's ability to fight infections is weakened, leading to a higher risk of severe infections from viruses like molluscum contagiosum.