All are true about ‘Molluscum contagiosum’ , EXCEPT ?
**Core Concept**
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus, leading to the formation of characteristic skin lesions. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual or contaminated surfaces.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Option D is incorrect because metronidazole and doxycycline are not recommended treatments for molluscum contagiosum. Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, while doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity. However, these antibiotics are ineffective against the poxvirus that causes molluscum contagiosum. The recommended treatments for molluscum contagiosum include topical imiquimod, cantharidin, or cryotherapy, as mentioned in options A, B, and C, respectively.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is correct and true about molluscum contagiosum. The disease is indeed caused by a poxvirus, which is a member of the Poxviridae family.
**Option B:** This option is also correct and true about molluscum contagiosum. The disease is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS or other immunocompromised conditions.
**Option C:** This option is correct and true about molluscum contagiosum. Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the affected skin lesions with liquid nitrogen, is a commonly used treatment for the disease.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Molluscum contagiosum can be diagnosed clinically by the characteristic appearance of the skin lesions, which are usually small, flesh-colored, or pink papules or nodules with a central depression. However, histopathological examination of a skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis by demonstrating the presence of viral inclusions within the skin cells.
**β Correct Answer: D. Treated with metronidazole and doxyxycline.**