Molusco contagioso é uma dermatovirose causada por um poxvírus, sendo mais prevalente em crianças com até 5 anos de idade. Um segundo pico de incidência é encontrado em adultos jovens. Com o objetivo de demonstrar sua ultraestrutura três lesões foram curetadas sem rompê-las, cortadas transversalmente e processadas de rotina para microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A estrutura oval do Molusco contagioso pôde ser facilmente observada, no seu centro há uma umbilicação central e logo abaixo observa-se um túnel queratinizado. Com aumentos progressivos observam-se proliferações semelhantes à epiderme e áreas de células dispostas em mosaico. Com grandes aumentos estruturas arredondadas medindo 0,4 micron são vistas no final do túnel queratinizado e na superfície da lesão.

Molluscum contagiosum is a disease caused by a poxvirus. It is more prevalent in children up to 5 years of age. There is a second peak of incidence in young adults. In order to examine its ultrastructure, three lesions were curetted without disruption, cut transversely with a scalpel, and routinely processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The oval structure of molluscum contagiosum could be easily identified. In its core, there was a central umbilication and just below this depression, there was a keratinized tunnel. Under higher magnification, a proliferation similar to the epidermis was seen. Moreover, there were areas of cells disposed like a mosaic. Under higher magnification, rounded structures measuring 0.4 micron could be observed at the end of the keratinized tunnel and on the surface of the lesion.

Paciente masculino de 12 anos relatou dificuldade em cicatrizar, seguido por cicatrizes de aspecto infrequente . A pele dos joelhos e cotovelos é fina, brilhante e protrusa, caracterizando pseudo- tumores. Além disso apresenta hiperelasticidade cutânea e articular. A microscopia óptica demonstrou raros feixes colágenos, as fibras colágenas encontram-se dispersas. O tecido elástico está presente e secundariamente irregular. A microscopia eletrônica de transmissão também observou fibras colágenas desorganizadas e com cortes transversais em grande aumento evidenciou diâmetros variados e contorno irregular das mesmas. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura da derme demonstrou raros feixes colágenos e fibras colágenas isoladas e entrecruzadas

A 12-year-old boy with difficulty in wound healing and scars of unusual appearance was examined. Thin, shiny and protruding skin, characterizing pseudotumoral lesions, was observed on his knees and elbows. Loose joints and increased skin elasticity were also observed. Light microscopy showed rare collagen bundles and loosely dispersed collagen fibers. Irregularly distributed elastic tissue was observed, and transmission electron microscopy revealed disorganized collagen fibers. In cross sections under high magnifications, fibers of varying diameters could be seen, as well as an irregular fiber outline. Scanning electron microscopy of the dermis showed disorganized collagen fibers, which were rarely arranged in bundles. Isolated and crossed-over fibers were also found