Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Research Paper

The molluscum contagiosum virus is characterized by lesions on the skin. These uncomfortable growths are small, raised bumps with a pearly appearance and smooth, firm texture. The lesions are usually itchy, sore, red, and swollen. The smallest growth can be the size of a pin head while the largest growth can be the size of a pencil eraser. These bumps can appear anywhere on the body, though it is unusual to find it on the soles of the feet or the hands. The virus is located in the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, and doesn’t circulate throughout the body. Many people mistake the molluscum contagiosum virus for the common chicken pox virus, but the difference can be found in the characteristics of the lesions: chicken pox spots are water-filled blisters while molluscum are more dome-shaped and pearly. The virus is most common in young children (1-10 years old) and adults. People with weakened immune systems have an especially hard time with the molluscum virus, often suffering a more severe case of the virus while having a more difficult time treating it. People

A fomite is an inanimate object that can become infected with virus, and in this case, transmit it through skin contact. Fomites that are associated with the spread of the molluscum virus include clothing, towels, bath sponges, pool equipment, and toys. There is speculation that the virus can also be spread by sharing swimming pools, baths, saunas, and other warm, wet environments but researchers who study the etiology of the virus don’t believe this to be likely. Molluscum can be spread by autoinoculation, the process of scratching a lesion and touching your body, or another body, somewhere else. Shaving and electrolysis (the removal of hair via electric current) have been shown to spread the virus. Molluscum is also transmitted by sexual conduct, and most adult cases are spread this