title: Disseminated giant molluscum contagiosum in a patient with idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia. Successful eradication with systemic interferon.
abstract: Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia is a rare disease without HIV infection or any other underlying immunodeficiency. Patients with this condition are predisposed to various opportunistic infections. We describe a 31-year-old woman with giant molluscum contagiosum disseminated over nearly the whole body. Immunologic analysis disclosed very low numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes (<11/microl, normal range: 240-3,100), an abnormal proliferative response of the patient's lymphocytes to artificial mitogens and specific antigens, and an anergic delayed-type hypersensitivity skin response. HIV serology was repetitively negative. The diagnosis of idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia was established. Systemic treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha2b (50 microg/week) for 16 months resulted in complete eradication of her disseminated giant molluscum contagiosum. In this report we will further describe the nature of idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia and emphasize its relevance to clinical dermatology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. bohmm@uni-muenster.de
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Böhm
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Luger
authors.forename: Gisela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bonsmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009894:Opportunistic Infections; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b