Findings

Note multinucleated giant cells.

Impression

Varicella virus infection.

Pathology Pointer

Tzanck stain of a blister exudate is a simple and useful method for identifying multinucleated giant cells and intranuclear inclusions that are highly characteristic of HZV infection.

Preparation

Tzanck stain

View

Light micrograph

Specimen

Vesicular fluid smear

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego