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Indian Journal of Pathology: Research and Practice 14(1):p 27-29, Jan -April 2025. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijprp.2278.148X.14125.4
Case Report
Utility of Tzanck Smear in Rapid Diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiosum: A Case Report
Poongodi Rajagopal, Arundhathi Shankaralingappa, Josephain Kanakapudi
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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Indian Journal of Pathology: Research and Practice 14(1):p 27-29, Jan -April 2025. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijprp.2278.148X.14125.4
How Cite This Article:
Arundhathi. Shankaralingappa, Josephain Kanakapudi, Poongodi Rajagopal, Utility of Tzanck Smear in Rapid Diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiosum: A Case Report. Ind Jr of Path: Res and Practice 2025;14(1) 27-29.Timeline
Received : February 15, 2025
Accepted : March 21, 2025
Published : April 30, 2025
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limiting cutaneous viral disease caused by a double stranded DNA virus belonging to pox viridae family. The lesions are highly contagious and present as elevated pearl like papules with characteristic central umbilication. It can affect children, sexually active adults and immunocompromised individual.1 It is classically a clinical diagnosis and does not pose difficulty in diagnosis unless the presentation is atypical. Thus, the cytological features of MC are rarely described and reported, more so with Tzanck smear.1 We are presenting a case of MC in a 27- year- old male which was diagnosed on Tzanck smear. We are presenting this case to emphasize on rapid diagnosis of MC using Tzanck smear. KEY MESSAGES: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is generally diagnosed based on clinical presentation, though atypical cases can mimic other papular lesions. Given its contagious nature, early detection is crucial. In such cases, a simple Tzanck smear can confirm the diagnosis by identifying characteristic molluscum bodies. This report underscores the seldomdiscussed cytological features of MC, highlighting the smear’s utility for swift diagnosis, aiding in infection control, lesion reduction, and timely treatment.
References
- 1. Ahmad N, Khan S, Jetley S. Molluscum contagiosum: Rapid cytological diagnosis using Tzanck smear in a case with unusual presentation. Natl J Lab Med. 2017;6:17-19.
- 2. Rayala BZ, Morrell DS. Common Skin Conditions in Children: Skin Infections. FP Essent. 2017; 453:26-32.
- 3. Eryılmaz A, Durdu M, Baba M, Yıldırım FE. Diagnostic reliability of the Tzanck smear in dermatologic diseases. Int J Dermatol. 2014;53:178-86.
- 4. Shruthi HN, Kumarguru BN, Ramaswamy AS, Shivakumar V. Role of Tzanck Smear Cytology in Dermatology: A Clinicopathological Study. J Clin Diagn Res. 2022;16:13-17
- 5. Gupta LK, Singhi MK. Tzanck smear: a useful diagnostic tool. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2005;71:295-9.
Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest in this work.
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Cite this article
Arundhathi. Shankaralingappa, Josephain Kanakapudi, Poongodi Rajagopal, Utility of Tzanck Smear in Rapid Diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiosum: A Case Report. Ind Jr of Path: Res and Practice 2025;14(1) 27-29.
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| February 15, 2025 | March 21, 2025 | April 30, 2025 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijprp.2278.148X.14125.4
Keywords
Molluscum contagiosumTzanck smearPearly papulesSearch for Similar Articles
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Timeline
| Received | February 15, 2025 |
| Accepted | March 21, 2025 |
| Published | April 30, 2025 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
