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Evidence that circulating lymphocytes act as vehicles or viraemia in measles
B O Osunkoya1, E O Ukaejiofo, O Ajayi
1Postgraduate Institute of Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract:
Previously described giant multinucleated cells were observed in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) cultures of leucocytes from blood samples of 17 (36%) out of 47 children with measles or undiagnosed fever in Ibadan. The giant cells were more readily seen in PHA cultures of purified lymphocyte preparations than in total leucocyte suspensions. It was concluded that the observation indicates in vivo infection of some blood lymphocytes of patients with measles and related infections by syncitium producing virus to manifest the giant cells seen in culture. The practical application of lymphocyte cultures to the laboratory diagnosis of measles is stressed and the concept of circulating lymphocytes contributing to the systemic spread of measles infection is highlighted.
Insights
Giant multinucleated cells were observed in blood cultures from children with measles, indicating in vivo viral infection. This finding highlights lymphocyte cultures as a diagnostic tool for measles and suggests circulating lymphocytes spread the infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Measles is a highly contagious viral illness.
- Giant multinucleated cells are characteristic of certain viral infections.
- Previous research has described these cells in viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of giant multinucleated cells in blood cultures of children with measles or undiagnosed fever.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of lymphocyte cultures for measles.
- To explore the role of circulating lymphocytes in measles pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated leucocyte cultures were prepared from blood samples of 47 children.
- Cultures included both total leucocyte suspensions and purified lymphocyte preparations.
- Microscopic examination was performed to identify giant multinucleated cells.
Main Results:
- Giant multinucleated cells were observed in 36% (17 out of 47) of the children's cultures.
- These cells were more frequently detected in purified lymphocyte cultures compared to total leucocyte cultures.
- The findings suggest syncytium-producing virus infection in vivo.
Conclusions:
- The presence of giant cells in PHA-stimulated lymphocyte cultures indicates in vivo measles virus infection.
- Lymphocyte cultures offer a practical method for laboratory diagnosis of measles.
- Circulating lymphocytes may play a role in the systemic dissemination of measles infection.