Molluscum contagiosum in a pediatric American Indian population: incidence and risk factors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) causes an innocuous yet persistent skin infection in immunocompetent individuals and is spread by contact with lesions. Studies point to atopic dermatitis (AD) as a risk factor for MCV infection; however, there are no longitudinal studies that have evaluated this hypothesis.

Methods

Outpatient visit data from fiscal years 2001-2009 for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children were examined to describe the incidence of molluscum contagiosum (MC). We conducted a case-control study of patients <5 years old at an Indian Health Service (IHS) clinic to evaluate dermatological risk factors for infection.

Results

The incidence rate for MC in children <5 years old was highest in the West and East regions. MC cases were mor

SUBMITTER: McCollum AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4114779 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature