subject: Molluscum Contagiosum Incidence [print this page] Molluscum contagiosum is a disease caused by a poxvirus of the molluscipox virus genus that produces a benign self-limited papular eruption of multiple umbilicated cutaneous tumors. This common viral disease is confined to the skin and mucous membranes. Transmission requires direct contact with infected hosts or contaminated fomites.
It is generally thought to infect humans exclusively, but there are a few isolated reports of molluscum contagiosum occurring in chickens, sparrows, pigeons, chimpanzees, kangaroos, a dog, and a horse. The infection is found worldwide and has a higher incidence in children, sexually active adults, and those who are immunodeficent.
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) can be found worldwide with a higher distribution in the tropical areas. The disease is more prevalent in children with the lesions involving the face, trunk, and extremities. In adults the lesions are most often found near the genital region. The disease is endemic with a higher incidence within institutions and communities where overcrowding, poor hygiene, and poverty potentiate its spread.
Over the last 30 years its incidence has been increasing, mainly as a sexually transmitted disease, and it is particularly rampant as a result of concurrent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The worldwide incidence is estimated to be between 2% and 8%. Less than 5% of the children in the United States are believed to be infected. Between 5% and 20% of patients with HIV have symptomatic MCV.
There are four main subtypes of molluscum contagiosum: MCV I, MCV II, MCV III, and MCV IV. All subtypes cause similar clinical lesions in genital and nongenital regions. Studies show MCV I to be more prevalent than MCV II, MCV III, and MCV IV, except in immunocompromised individuals. There are, however, regional variations in the predominance of a given subtype and differences between individual subtypes in different countries.
This disease is transmitted primarily through direct skin contact with an infected individual. Fomites have been suggested as another source of infection, with molluscum contagiosum reportedly acquired from bath towels, tattoo instruments, and in beauty parlors and Turkish baths. The average incubation time is between 2 and 7 weeks with a range extending out to 6 months.
Infection with the virus causes hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the epidermis. Free virus cores have been found in all layers of the epidermis. So-called viral factories are located in the malpighian and granular cell layers. The molluscum bodies contain large numbers of maturing virions. These are contained intracellularly in a collagen-lipid-rich saclike structure that is thought to deter immunological recognition by the host.
Rupture and discharge of the infectious virus-packed cells occur in the center of the lesion. MCV induces a benign tumor instead of the usual necrotic pox lesion associated with other poxviruses. As molluscum is highly contagious, it can infect human tissue virtually anywhere on the body. Unfortunately, there are few adequate and non invasive molluscum treatments.
Surgically removing molluscum or using acids for molluscum treatment, as commonly prescribed, are traumatic and not always effective. As the antiviral properties AntiMolluscum-Rx have the demonstrated ability to penetrate all layers of the skin and thoroughly eradicate molluscum infections, these active ingredients have received considerable attention from medical professionals on a global scale.
AntiMolluscum-Rx is composed of naturally occurring high intensity antiviral extracts which have a lethal effect against the virus upon exposure. Application of this molluscum contagiosum treatment provides maximum and rapid penetration of antiviral agents into cell membranes without damaging healthy skin tissue. As a result, this treatment for molluscum enjoys a well earned reputation for its curative effects.
The disease occurring anywhere on the body can be successfully eliminated with application of AntiMolluscum-Rx. This molluscum contagiosum treatment is concentrated with naturally occurring monoterpene aldehydes that have tremendous antiviral effects against the molluscum virus, as demonstrated in published scientific studies.
Molluscum occurring anywhere on the body can be successfully eliminated with application of AntiMolluscum-Rx. This treatment for molluscum not only has a direct virucidal effect, but provides total systemic support. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.
