MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM IN DUTCH GENERAL-PRACTICE

Background. While molluscum contagiosum is considered to be a frequent ly encountered disease, few data on its incidence are known. Aim. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of molluscum con tagiosum in Dutch general practice and to assess the importance of ven eral molluscum contagiosum. Method. Data were taken from the national survey of morbidity and interventions in general practice, drawn from 103 practices across the Netherlands, with a study population of 332 3 00. Results. The infection appeared to be common in childhood (cumulat ive incidence 17% in those aged under 15 years); the adult, sexually t ransmitted, form was rare. Incidence was higher between January and Ju ne than between July and December. Cases were unequally divided betwee n recording practices, which is thought to have been caused by the occ urrence of small epidemics. Conclusion. The incidence of molluscum con tagiosum in Dutch general practice was found to be 2.4 per 1000 person years. Molluscum contagiosum should still be considered as a mainly p aediatric disease.