Transmission routes – Molluscum contagiosum: How is molluscum contagiosum virus commonly transmitted in the community and in adults?

Introduction:
Molluscum contagiosum virus (a poxvirus) produces umbilicated papules on skin. Understanding transmission helps with counseling, prevention, and infection control in schools, sports, and sexual health clinics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Viral lesions contain infectious material.
• Fomites and skin-to-skin exposure facilitate spread.
• In adults, genital lesions are often sexually transmitted.

Concept / Approach:
The chief route is direct contact with lesions or contaminated objects (e.g., towels, razors, wrestling mats). In sexually active adults, sexual contact is an important mode. Therefore, the best answer that captures both community and sexual contexts is “Both (a) and (b).”

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify contact as the main mechanism of spread. Recognize a special case: sexual transmission among adults. Choose the option that includes both routes. Select “Both (a) and (b).”

Verification / Alternative check:
Dermatology guidelines emphasize contact precautions and patient education about avoiding shaving lesion areas and sharing personal items; sexual health resources note transmission via intimate skin contact.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Direct only – incomplete; omits sexual transmission.

Sexual only – incomplete; children commonly acquire via nonsexual contact.

None/Airborne – airborne spread is not the principal mode.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming a respiratory route similar to varicella; molluscum is primarily a contact-spread dermatosis.

Final Answer:
Both (a) and (b).