Molluscum contagiosum of the face: Kissing as an impact cause of viral transmission

Abstract

Objective: “Molluscum contagiosum” is a common skin disease caused by” molluscum contagiosum virus". It is primarily transmitted by direct contact with viral particles of infected skin, and the human is the natural host. Friendly kissing habits may be responsible for the transmission of “molluscum contagiosum” infections. Methods: More than fifteen years old patients, with” molluscum contagiosum” of the face were enrolled in this clinical descriptive study. A thorough history was taken regarding gender, marital status, residence and drug intake. The questionnaire contains a history of kissing habits as greeting behaviour besides the other roles that supposedly spread infection. Results: An entire 45 patients were engaged. Their mean (±SD) age was 37±17.8 years; 39(86.7%) were males, and 6(13.3%) were females. The right cheek kisser was the most common habit in 36(80%) patients, while 9(20%) patients had both sides kissed. This report showed that” molluscum contagiosum” infection involved the right side of the face in 33(73.3%) patients, while the left or both sides of the face were affected by the disease in 6(13.3%) individuals. ”Molluscum contagiosum” of the right side of the face was statistically significant associated with the right cheek kisser, p < 0.05. Conclusion: kindly kissing as a greeting can play an essential role in the spread of “molluscum contagiosum” infection. Furthermore, social pressures to discontinue face kissing as a greeting.