Scanning electron microscopy of molluscum contagiosum*

• Main Author: Almeida Jr,Hiram Larangeira de
• Publication Date: 2013
• Other Authors: Abuchaim,Martha Oliveira, Schneide,Maiko Abel, Marques,Leandra, Castro,Luis Antônio Suíta de
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Anais brasileiros de dermatologia (Online)
• Download full: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0365-05962013000100090
• topic: Microscopy, electron, scanning; Molluscum contagiosum; Molluscum contagiosum virus

Molluscum contagiosum is a disease caused by a poxvirus. It is more prevalent in children up to 5 years of age. There is a second peak of incidence in young adults. In order to examine its ultrastructure, three lesions were curetted without disruption, cut transversely with a scalpel, and routinely processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The oval structure of molluscum contagiosum could be easily identified. In its core, there was a central umbilication and just below this depression, there was a keratinized tunnel. Under higher magnification, a proliferation similar to the epidermis was seen. Moreover, there were areas of cells disposed like a mosaic. Under higher magnification, rounded structures measuring 0.4 micron could be observed at the end of the keratinized tunnel and on the surface of the lesion.