Abstract
Veterinary Pathology invites submission of exceptional gross or microscopic images for consideration as an Image Challenge, along with a multiple choice question and answer. For details, see the Instructions to Authors on the journal website.
Poxvirus Dermatitis
C. Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a member of the family Poxviridae, subfamily Chordopoxvirinae, where it is the sole member of the genus Molluscipoxvirus. It is a common skin infection in humans but rare in animals, including chickens, sparrows, pigeons, chimpanzees, kangaroos, dogs, horses, and, more recently, donkeys. MC is a self-limiting cutaneous infection with multiple small papules arising on the prepuce, penis, neck, thorax, mammary glands, or muzzle. Microscopic lesions are crateriform with peripheral epidermal hyperplasia and mature inclusion bodies in the keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum. There is exfoliation of central keratinocytes containing acidophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies (molluscum bodies).
Reference: Fox R, Thiemann A, Everest D, et al. Molluscum contagiosum in two donkeys. Vet Rec. 2012;
Contributor: Richard Fox, Finn Pathologists
C. Papillomavirus
C. Herpesvirus