Ultrastructural detection of herpes-type virions by negative staining in oral hairy leukoplakia

Hairy leukoplakia (HL) is a newly recognized virus-associated lesion of oral mucosa that occurs in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Studies have demonstrated Epstein-Barr virus within epithelial cells of HL. The authors examined 12 cases of HL by transmission electron microscopy to compare the use of a negative staining technique versus routine plastic embedment for the detection of viruses. Herpes-type virions were identified by both methods in 11 cases. One case had negative results for viruses by both methods. Negative staining is a simple and rapid technique that compares favorably with plastic embedment in the detection of herpes-type virions in HL.