The molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a species of virus in the poxvirus family, which causes the disease molluscum contagiosum in humans. There are 4 types of MCV, MCV-1 through -4. MCV-1 is the most prevalent in human infections, and MCV-2 is seen usually in adults and often sexually transmitted. Virions have a complex structure that is consistent with the structure of the other members of the poxvirus family: a surface membrane, a core, and lateral bodies. The virus may be contained within inclusion bodies and mature by budding through the membrane of the host cell, giving rise to a large amount of viral shedding in a short period of time.
Alternative Names
Molluscum contagiosum; MC; Molluscipoxvirus; Poxviridae; MCV; MC-159; MC-159 protein