Findings

Note the intranuclear inclusions.

Impression

Herpes, multinucleated epidermal cells

Pathology Pointer

Replication of HZV's within the infected nuclei induces a distinct morphologic appearance, i.e. slate grey nuclei with margination of nuclear chromatin. Some infected cells form multinucleated giant cells. These changes may be seen not only in epidermal cells, but also in other cell types such as epithelial cells of hair follicles and sweat glands.

Preparation

Fixed, H & E stain

View

Light micrograph

Specimen

Skin

Image Credit

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