Severe and Atypical Manifestation of Molluscum Contagiosum in AIDS Patients / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a DNA virus from the poxvirus family. With the advent of new populations of immunocompromised individuals-especially those infected with HIV-molluscum contagiosum has emerged as an important cause of morbidity and disfigurement. Molluscum contagiosum in AIDS, although not life-threatening, is often a marker of late-stage disease and may lead to atypical clinical features and a progressive course that is recalcitrant to treatment. We report two cases of AIDS-related molluscum contagiosum in a 45 year-old male and a 30 year-old male. They were diagnosed as HIV-positive 3 years ago and 1 year ago, respectively. Physical examination revealed asymptomatic numerous skin-colored papules, nodules and tumorous masses on the face and neck. The histopathological finding showed characteristic features of molluscum contagiosum. We think that this is the first report of severe AIDS-related molluscum contagiosum in Korean literature.