A 24-year-old sexually active woman presents with multiple soft, non-tender, flesh-coloured papules with a central dell on her lower abdomen and pubic area. The lesions have a characteristic cheesy white core when expressed. Histopathology of one lesion would show which of the following?

• A Koilocytes with perinuclear halos in the upper epidermis
• B Intranuclear Cowdry type A inclusion bodies surrounded by a halo
• C Large eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Henderson-Paterson bodies) compressing the nucleus peripherally ✓
• D Reed-Sternberg-like cells in the dermis

Explanation

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus (MCV types 1 and 2). Its hallmark histological feature is the presence of large, oval, eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies called Henderson-Paterson bodies (molluscum bodies), which increase in size toward the skin surface and eventually displace the nucleus to the periphery. The central dell corresponds to the plug of infected keratinocytes and molluscum bodies. Koilocytes are seen in HPV infection (warts/condylomata), and Cowdry type A bodies are seen in HSV and VZV infections.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.