Renewed interest in molluscum contagiosum virus has been stimulated by the availability of the entire genomic sequence and the identification of more than 160 putative genes, some of whose functions are now under analysis. Important findings have been generated by the recognition that certain viral proteins have anti-chemotactic and anti-apoptotic properties. Other advances include the characterization of two recombinant immunoreactive proteins, and the publication of the first seroepidemiological survey of the general population. Recent clinical studies indicate that some of the newer antiviral agents and physical treatment modalities offer significant benefits for the treatment of recalcitrant infections in the immunosuppressed.