title: Scanning electron microscopy of molluscum contagiosum.
abstract: Molluscum contagiosum is a disease caused by a poxvirus. It is more prevalent in children up to 5 years of age. There is a second peak of incidence in young adults. In order to examine its ultrastructure, three lesions were curetted without disruption, cut transversely with a scalpel, and routinely processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The oval structure of molluscum contagiosum could be easily identified. In its core, there was a central umbilication and just below this depression, there was a keratinized tunnel. Under higher magnification, a proliferation similar to the epidermis was seen. Moreover, there were areas of cells disposed like a mosaic. Under higher magnification, rounded structures measuring 0.4 micron could be observed at the end of the keratinized tunnel and on the surface of the lesion.
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Pelotas(UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil. hiramalmeidajr@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Hiram Larangeira de
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: Martha Oliveira
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Abuchaim
authors.forename: Maiko Abel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Schneide
authors.forename: Leandra
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.forename: Luis Antônio Suíta de
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Castro
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000473:pathology*
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