Question:

Molluscum contagiosum virus belongs to which group of viruses?

Show Hint

Think of the large brick shaped DNA virus with cytoplasmic inclusion bodies.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Poxviruses
  • Herpesviruses
  • Picornaviruses
  • Adenovirus
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Molluscum contagiosum produces small umbilicated skin papules and is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus.

Step 2: This virus is a member of the Poxviridae family. Like other poxviruses it is a large, brick shaped, double stranded DNA virus that replicates in the cytoplasm and produces characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (molluscum or Henderson-Paterson bodies).

Step 3: The other families do not fit. Herpesviruses are enveloped DNA viruses causing diseases such as herpes and chickenpox. Picornaviruses are small RNA viruses. Adenoviruses are non enveloped DNA viruses causing respiratory and eye infections.

Step 4: Therefore molluscum contagiosum virus belongs to the poxviruses.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0