Serological Screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis in Patients with Genital Molluscum Contagiosum: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

(1)

Background

The available literature on sexually transmitted infections in patients with genital molluscum contagiosum is limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the serological test results and screening rate for sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis, among patients with genital molluscum contagiosum. (2)

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we reviewed the medical records of patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with genital molluscum contagiosum at our dermatology outpatient clinic between October 2016 and December 2025. Age, sex, and serological test results for anti-human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis C virus, and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory/Rapid Plasma Reagin were recorded. (3)

Results

Serological screening was performed in 202 of 528 patients (38.3%), and 11 (5.45%) had positive test results for at least one sexually transmitted infection. (4)

Conclusions

Our findings support routine screening for sexually transmitted infections in patients with genital molluscum contagiosum, given that a substantial proportion of these patients do not undergo serological screening.