Molluscum contagiosum is a common childhood viral infection of squa­mous epithelium of the skin appearing as pearly-white, dome-shaped umbilicated pap­ules. Acquisition of the virus follows contact with infected persons or contaminated objects and sources such as swimming pools. It is observed with a higher frequency in tropical climates. Molluscum contagiosum virus cannot be propagated in vitro. Therefore the cases are mostly diagnosed clinically and the diagnosis is confirmed by the demonstration of characteristic molluscum bodies from the lesions.

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