Epidemiological Study of Ocular Manifestation of Molluscum Contagiosum in Al Diwaniyah Governorate: Iraq

Background:Molluscum contagiosum is skin disease caused by the molluscumcontagiosum virus (MC) usually causing one or multiplesmaller dome shaped umbilicated papules with symptoms that maybe self-resolve. MC virus was once a disease primarily of children, but it has evolved to become a sexually transmitted disease in adults. Objective:To study the epidemiology of ocularMolluscum contagiosum presentation in different age groups of Iraqi patients in Al-Diwaniyah city. Method:This clinical descriptive study was performed in the outpatient department of dermatology and ophthalmologyprivate clinic in Al–Diwaniyah from March 2012 – February 2013. A total of 245 Patients were recruited in this study as they diagnosed as ocular Molluscum contagiosum; both classical and non classical presentation were studied. Results:the results showed that there is high incidence among young patients and this increase was much clear in male than female. The low socioeconomic state has also enhanced the occurrence of this virus . Conclusion: Social risk factor for acquisition of ocular MC, particularly in suburban and low social economic area of Al Diwaniyah cityis significant increased compared to the center of city. Sex and age might also enhance the occurrence of this virus.