Detection of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) DNA in the plasma of an immunocompromised patient and possible reduction of MCV DNA with CMX-001

J Infect Dis. 2012 Mar 1;205(5):794-7. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jir853. Epub 2012 Jan 19.

Abstract

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a poxvirus that causes localized papules in healthy persons. We evaluated a woman with severe immunodeficiency and disseminated MCV. During treatment with CMX-001, an antiviral with activity against other poxviruses, MCV DNA was detected in 20% of plasma samples. When the patient was not receiving CMX-001, MCV DNA was detected in 50% of samples. We also noted improvement in warts on her fingers during CMX-001 therapy. Although MCV is caused by direct inoculation of virus into skin in healthy persons, in a severely immunocompromised person MCV DNA was present in blood and may spread by viremia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Compassionate Use Trials
  • Cytosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cytosine / therapeutic use
  • DNA, Viral / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / complications
  • Molluscum Contagiosum / blood*
  • Molluscum Contagiosum / complications
  • Molluscum Contagiosum / drug therapy*
  • Molluscum contagiosum virus*
  • Organophosphonates / therapeutic use*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNA, Viral
  • Organophosphonates
  • brincidofovir
  • Cytosine