Detection Of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (Mcv) Dna In The Plasma Of An Immunocompromised Patient And Possible Reduction Of Mcv Dna With Cmx-001

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.