Molecular Epidemiology of Korean Isolates of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus

Choi, Jee Ho; Kim, Kyu Han; Kim, Seong Beom; Suh, Jung Wha; Koh, Jai Kyoung; Sung, Kyung Jeh

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recent restriction enclonuclease analysis studies hsve revealed that MCV DNA can be classified into two major types, designated MCV-1 and MCV-2, by th:ir restriction enzyme cleavsge patterns. In earlier reports of MCV DNA analysis, MCV-2 was the main virus type found in genital lesions. However many recent studies cienied the relationship between virus type and anatomical distribution.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the ratio of MCV-l to MCV-2 in Korean isolates of MCV DNA and the relationship between MCV subtypes and with clinical features such as anatomical location, age, sex, numiber of lesions, and atopic dermatitis.
METHODS
MCV DNA extrated from 112 cases of Korean patients waa examined by restriction endonuclease analysis using Brtm HI.
RESULTS
1. MCV-1 was found in 108 of 112 (96.4%) patients and MCV-2 in of 112 (3.6%) patients. The ratio of MCV-1 to MCV-2 wss 28:1. 2. There was no significant ciprrelation between MCV subtypes and the age, sex, number of lesions, atopic dermatitis, and anatoimic loction. 3. Lesions induced by MCV-1 MCV-2 were indistinguishable on the brsis of size and form.
CONCLUSION
This study showis that the ratio of MCV-1 to MCV-2 was 28:1 in Korean molluscum contagiosum patients and there was no relationship between MCV subtyies and lesional morphology or snatomical distribution.