Which organism is the causative agent of molluscum contagiosum?

• A. Virus
• B. Gram-negative bacterium
• C. Gram-positive bacterium
• D. Parasite

Answer: (A)

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus. The infectious agent is Molluscum contagiosum virus, a member of the poxvirus family with a double‑stranded DNA genome that replicates in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes, leading to localized skin lesions. Clinically, it presents as small, dome-shaped, flesh-colored papules with a central umbilication, commonly in children and in adults with skin-to-skin contact. Because it is viral, antibiotics or antiparasitic medications aren’t indicated for the primary lesion; management is often observation or local destructive therapies like curettage or cryotherapy. The other options describe bacteria or parasites, which are not the causative agents here.