A case of HIV infection combined with extensive and intractable molluscum contagiosum

Abstract

A 25-year-old female patient presented with numerous rashes on the trunk, external genitalia and inner thighs for 2 months. The patient had been diagnosed with HIV infection for 4 months, and treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Dermatological examination showed a large number of papules and nodules on the right areola, right intercostal, abdomen, pubis, labia majora, labia minora, perianal, and both inner thighs with partial macules papule, pustules, erosion and scab. Histopathology of skin lesion in areola and external genitalia indicated that there were inclusions of eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions in the cytoplasm of the cells; verrucosa bodies (Henderson Peterson bodies) and some basophilic clear keratin particles and a small number of chronic inflammatory cells in the superficial dermis. Skin lesions gradually increased and enlarged with HAART. The patient was diagnosed with HIV infection and extensive intractable molluscum contagiosum. Then the patient was treated with microwave combined with imiquimod cream for external use, and psychological intervention and other comprehensive treatment. After 3 months of treatment, the skin lesions had basically subsided.

Keywords

• molluscum contagiosum
• human immunodeficiency virus
• immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
• microwave
• imiquimod