Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a DNA poxvirus that causes the human skin infection molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum contagiosum affects about 200,000 people a year, about 1% of all diagnosed skin diseases. Diagnosis is based on the size and shape of the skin lesions and can be confirmed with a biopsy, as the virus cannot be routinely cultured. "Molluscum contagiosum virus" is the only species in the genus Molluscipoxvirus. MCV is a member of the subfamily "Chordopoxvirinae" of family "Poxviridae". Other commonly known viruses that reside in the subfamily "Chordopoxvirinae" are "variola virus" (cause of smallpox) and "monkeypox virus".