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Demonstration of respiratory syncytial virus in an autopsy series
1Pathology Department, Children's Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen was demonstrated in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded autopsy tissue using an immunoperoxidase technique. Eighteen autopsy cases were selected on the basis of one of the following criteria: a positive culture for RSV, antemortem or postmortem; positive ELISA test for RSV, antemortem or postmortem; or postmortem histology suggestive of paramyxovirus infection. Controls included three cases from which parainfluenza or influenza virus had been cultured and a case in which the clinical diagnosis of measles was firmly established. Sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue were stained with a rabbit anti-RSV antibody (Dako) using an immunoperoxidase technique. Staining was achieved in 12 cases. This included 6 of 7 cases selected because of positive cultures or ELISA tests for RSV. The other 6 cases in which RSV was identified by the described technique lacked culture or ELISA confirmation. Granular and globular staining was seen in the cytoplasm of respiratory epithelial cells and syncytial giant cells. None of the control cases stained for RSV. The histology of RSV lungs was consistent with changes described in the literature for RSV infection, although pneumonic consolidation and syncytial giant cells were more prominent in this series.
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be detected in autopsy tissues using an immunoperoxidase technique. This method confirmed RSV presence in lung tissues, aiding in diagnosing respiratory infections.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Virology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen.
- Accurate postmortem diagnosis of RSV infection can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an immunoperoxidase technique for detecting RSV antigen in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded autopsy tissues.
- To correlate histological findings with virological and serological RSV confirmation.
Main Methods:
- Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded autopsy tissues from 18 cases with suspected RSV infection were analyzed.
- An immunoperoxidase technique using rabbit anti-RSV antibody was employed.
- Control cases included parainfluenza, influenza, and measles infections.
Main Results:
- RSV antigen was successfully demonstrated in 12 out of 18 cases.
- The technique confirmed RSV in 6 cases without prior culture or ELISA confirmation.
- Staining patterns included granular and globular deposits in respiratory epithelial and giant cells.
- Control cases showed no staining for RSV.
Conclusions:
- Immunoperoxidase staining is a valuable tool for detecting RSV antigen in autopsy tissues.
- This method can aid in diagnosing RSV-associated respiratory disease, especially when viral culture or ELISA is negative.
- Histological findings in RSV-infected lungs were consistent with literature, with prominent consolidation and giant cells observed.