I. Introduction to Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum Contagiosum are a common skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MOCV). [Sulzberger, 1948] Given the current global population, approximately 648 million people can be expected to have Molluscum this year, although the exact figure is unclear and may be less. [World, 2024] [Han, 2023] Approximately 6 million Americans, mostly children, are infected each year. [U.S., 2024] Molluscum are raised, round, firm, painless bumps on the skin that can range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. These bumps can take on a pink color and often have a small dent or dot at the top. [Mayo, 2022]
The infection can spread through skin-to-skin contact or contact with infected objects or toys. [Mayo, 2022] Swimming pools may present a high risk of infection, although the exact reason is unclear. [Swimming, 2018] It is more common in children, but it can affect people of any age. [Molluscum, 2023] In adults with a healthy immune system, molluscum contagiosum can be a sexually transmitted infection (STI). [Mayo, 2022]
If the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to nearby skin. Left untreated, the bumps usually disappear in 6 months to 2 years. [Mayo, 2022] However, the bumps and the skin around them may become inflamed, which is thought to be an immune system response to the infection. [Mayo, 2022] If scratched, these bumps can become infected and heal with scarring. [Oakley, 1997] If sores appear on the eyelids, pink eye (conjunctivitis) can develop. [Mayo, 2022]
To help prevent the spread of the virus, it's recommended to wash your hands regularly, avoid touching the bumps, don't share or borrow personal items, and avoid sexual contact if you have molluscum contagiosum on or near your genitals. [Mayo, 2022]
II. A Pox Virus; Molluscum Contagiosum (MOCV)
Since the eradication of smallpox, MOCV has become the principal poxvirus that infects humans. [Chen, 2013] With an incidence rate estimated to be 8000 persons per 100,000 globally, it is much more prevalent than emergent monkeypox, which, historically, has been concentrated in the tropical rainforest regions of Central and West Africa. At the height of the recent outbreak in the U.S., the incidence rate was approximately 8.37 per 100,000 people. [Han, 2023] [CDC, 2022] [Population, 2024]
Poxviruses are members of the Poxviridae family, which cause a variety of illnesses in both humans and other animals. Their shape is brick-like or oval, with the longest dimension measuring up to 250-300 nm with hollow spikes scattered across their surface. These viruses contain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). [Editors, 1998]
In the early 80s and 90s two molecular genotypes or species (MOCV1 and 2) emerged from the data using the techniques available at the time. It was not, however, until 2023 that the possibility of the existence of other species of MOCV was fully investigated. All 66 of the MOCV genomes that were available underwent extensive phylogenomic and recombination analysis, which revealed that they can be divided into six phylogenetic subgroups (PG1-6) and three genotypes (MOCV1, 2, 3). [Zorec, 2023]
Despite genomic information being available on MOCV, there are still no vaccines against this infection that could prevent the development of molluscum, which would be especially important for high risk groups such as children, swimmers and contact sport participants such as wrestlers. [Davies, 2017]
III. Established Treatments for Molluscum
Physical Therapy
● Curettage: A procedure involving the scraping or removal of molluscum contagiosum lesions using a curette, a spoon-shaped instrument.
● Cryotherapy: Treatment method for molluscum contagiosum involving the freezing of the lesions using liquid nitrogen, causing them to blister and eventually fall off.
● Pulsed Dye Laser: A therapeutic approach employing a laser that delivers high-intensity light to target and eliminate blood vessels supplying nutrients to mo...
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