A 43-year-old HIV-positive lady arrives at the office with lesions on her vulvar and perineal regions that had been present for 4 weeks. On inspection, there are clusters of solid, glossy, spherical papules with center depression that are 2-6 mm in diameter. The picture below depicts a microscopic study of a lesion: Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's presenting condition?

Question

A 43-year-old HIV-positive lady arrives at the office with lesions on her vulvar and perineal regions that had been present for 4 weeks. On inspection, there are clusters of solid, glossy, spherical papules with center depression that are 2-6 mm in diameter. The picture below depicts a microscopic study of a lesion:  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's presenting condition?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus and is characterized by tiny, hard, spherical papules with a central umbilication. Adults who are immunocompromised (e.g., HIV) or sexually active are more vulnerable. A biopsy reveals poxvirus intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies in keratinocytes.

A 43-Year-Old HIV-Positive Lady Arrives at the Office with Lesions