Mycelia-like structures in eleiuscum contagiosum

Within a 2-year period 100 patients with molluscum contagiosum [M.C.] were studied for the presence of hyphae-like structures in their white core which is expressed from the center of the lesions. We prepared the white core of M.C. papules buffered with 20% KOH for direct microscopic examination, and found hyphae-like structures in 55% of patients. Culture of white core for fungi and yeasts, and P.A.S. staining of tissues obtained by biopsy of skin lesions were negative in 27 and eight patients, respectively