Pleomorphic T-cell infiltrate associated with molluscum contagiosum

The authors observed a pleomorphic lymphocytic infiltrate composed of CD8 cytotoxic/suppressor T-cells in two pediatric cases associated with molluscum contagiosum. T-cell clonality was not detected. In both cases, the lesions resolved after the biopsy was performed. The patients were otherwise healthy, and no evidence of lymphoproliferative process was detected on follow-up. The authors believe the pleomorphic lymphoid infiltrate is inflammatory and reactive in nature. The close apposition of lymphocytes to molluscum bodies and cytoid bodies with high expression of CD30 and the proliferating marker Ki67 is suggestive of a cytotoxic cell-mediate blastic reaction against poxvirus antigens.