Recurrent giant molluscum contagiosum immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in an HIV-infected man

We describe an HIV-infected South African man who experienced two distinct episodes of disseminated giant molluscum contagiosum immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) over a six-year period. The first episode of molluscum contagiosum IRIS occurred with rapid virologic suppression following antiretroviral therapy initiation. The second episode occurred during a rapid increase in CD4 cells following stable viral suppression with second-line antiretroviral therapy. His molluscum contagiosum lesions then completely resolved during a reduction in CD4 count, despite maintaining virologic suppression. Nearly one year after the resolution of his giant molluscum contagiosum IRIS lesions, he maintains an undetectable viral load, but his level of immune deficiency has not improved. In the absence of well-controlled therapeutic trials, molluscum contagiosum IRIS presents important management challenges.