Giant Molluscum Contagiosum Opportunistic Infection in a HIV/AIDS Patient

Abstract

Atypical types of molluscum contagiosum (MC), which are present in immunocompromised patients and show substantial weakening of cellular immunity, can be difficult to diagnose. Low CD4 cell counts are associated with MC lesions, which are most frequently seen in HIV patients. We report MC lesions in the trunk and lower extremities in a 40-year-old HIV-positive female patient. A 75 cells/mm CD4 count was present in the patient. To rule out more dangerous disorders including dimorphic fungal infections, a skin biopsy was performed. The hypogastrum of the trunk and vulva were affected by the lesions which were painless, flesh-colored papules and nodules. Syphilis and hepatitis B virus testing came out negative, while serological tests for HIV-1 were positive. Intracytoplasmic molluscum bodies were detected in the skin biopsy. However, the opportunity for an early diagnosis in our case was lost.