title: Successful treatment of molluscum contagiosum with topical imiquimod in a severely immunocompromised HIV-positive patient.
abstract: Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection in the immuno-compromised HIV-positive patient where it is often severe and affecting the face and neck. It is frequently resistant to conventional, locally destructive therapies. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the immunomodulatory drug imiquimod might be a valid therapeutic option in this group of patients. We report the case of a severely immunocompromised HIV-positive patient with resistant facial molluscum contagiosum lesions that responded to topical imiquimod. The response to therapy and the possible implications for pathogenesis are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Strauss
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Doyle
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Mohsen
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Green
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod