A Severe Case of Molluscum Contagiosum Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART) is caused by restored immunity to specific antigens, resulting in worsening of a pre-existing infection. Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is commonly noted in HIV-positive individuals but ART alone is usually sufficient to bring about resolution. We present a rare case of severe MC-IRIS that worsened despite immune reconstitution.

Topical and intralesional immunotherapy in cutaneous infections

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of extensive and resistant warts. Promising results have extended the role of immunotherapy to other infections such as extensive molluscum contagiosum, recurrent herpes simplex infections, and cutaneous leishmaniasis, which are resistant to standard treatment. This review focuses on topical and intralesional immunotherapy in the management of cutaneous infections.

EFFICACY OF 5% POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE VERSUS 10% POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: To compare the efficacy of 5% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum at a tertiary care Hospital. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology Department, Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi, from Oct 2019 to Apr 2021. Methodology: Sixty patients with molluscum contagiosum who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the outpatient department of tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Patients were divided into two groups, A (5% KOH) and B (10% KOH) of 30 patients each. Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) solution was applied at home using the cotton-tipped applicator twice daily. Follow-up of patients was done at 2-weekly intervals for 12 weeks. Efficacy was measured based on the resolution of lesions or improvement from baseline. Results: Complete response occurred in 23 (76.7%) cases in 10% KOH Group while 6 (20%) in 5% KOH Group, Partial response occurred in 6 (20%) in 10% KOH group while 15 (50%) in 5% KOH group, No response occurred in 1 (3.33%) in 10% KOH group and 9 (30%) in 5% KOH group (p<0.001). Conclusion: 10% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is an efficient modality for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum compared to 5% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH).

Strategies and Patterns of Codon Bias in Molluscum Contagiosum Virus

Trends associated with codon usage in molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) and factors governing the evolution of codon usage have not been investigated so far. In this study, attempts were made to decipher the codon usage trends and discover the major evolutionary forces that influence the patterns of codon usage in MCV with special reference to sub-types 1 and 2, MCV-1 and MCV-2, respectively. Three hypotheses were tested: (1) codon usage patterns of MCV-1 and MCV-2 are identical; (2) SCUB (synonymous codon usage bias) patterns of MCV-1 and MCV-2 slightly deviate from that of human host to avoid affecting the fitness of host; and (3) translational selection predominantly shapes the SCUB of MCV-1 and MCV-2. Various codon usage indices viz. relative codon usage value, effective number of codons and codon adaptation index were calculated to infer the nature of codon usage. Correspondence analysis and correlation analysis were performed to assess the relative contribution of silent base contents and significance of codon usage indices in defining bias in codon usage. Among the tested hypotheses, only the second and third hypotheses were accepted.

Viral Cutaneous Infections in Swimmers: A Preliminary Study

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) and warts are common viral infections of the skin. Data regarding the prevalence of MC and verruca in swimmers are very poor and lacking in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of Molluscum Contagiosum (MC) and warts cases among young competitive swimmers participating in Greek swimming clubs. Of 244 swimmers enrolled in this study, 12.3% reported MC and 43% warts, during their swimming career, diagnosed and treated by dermatologists. There was no difference between sexes for MC but diagnoses of warts were higher in females. Axillae and trunk were the most common sites of primary infection for MC but warts mainly appeared on the soles. The incidence of MC and warts in swimmers who use outdoor facilities was higher. In our study, the incidence of warts and MC in Greek swimmers is considered high. Moist walking surfaces, placing towels on locker room benches, and sharing equipment are behaviors that cause infections. An early diagnosis of warts and MC lesions must be implemented in every swimmer through dermatological examination. Taking proper measures for reducing the risk of warts and MC transmission in Greek swimmers is mandatory.