Tzanck smear findings associated with herpes simplex virus infection?

Tzanck smear findings associated with herpes simplex virus infection?

• A. Intranuclear inclusion bodies and multinucleated giant cells
• B. Eosinophilic hyphae
• C. Gram-positive cocci
• D. Multinucleated giant cells only

Answer: (A)

Tzanck smear for herpes simplex virus infection shows a cytopathic effect with multinucleated giant cells containing eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies (Cowdry type A inclusions). This combination—multinucleated cells plus intranuclear inclusions—is characteristic of herpesvirus infections and reflects viral-induced cell fusion and nuclear replication. Other findings described, like eosinophilic hyphae or Gram-positive cocci, point to fungal or bacterial pathogens, not herpesvirus. A description of giant cells alone avoids the key intranuclear inclusions needed to support herpes infection on this test. Keep in mind that while this smear supports herpes, definitive confirmation is achieved with more specific tests such as PCR or viral culture.

Tzanck smear for herpes simplex virus infection shows a cytopathic effect with multinucleated giant cells containing eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies (Cowdry type A inclusions). This combination—multinucleated cells plus intranuclear inclusions—is characteristic of herpesvirus infections and reflects viral-induced cell fusion and nuclear replication.

Other findings described, like eosinophilic hyphae or Gram-positive cocci, point to fungal or bacterial pathogens, not herpesvirus. A description of giant cells alone avoids the key intranuclear inclusions needed to support herpes infection on this test. Keep in mind that while this smear supports herpes, definitive confirmation is achieved with more specific tests such as PCR or viral culture.