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Electron microscopic demonstration of virus particles in hand, foot and mouth disease
Abstract:
Early skin and oral mucous membrane lesions of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were biopsied and investigated by light and electron microscopy. Histology showed spongiosis, intraepidermal splits indicating beginning vesicle formation, exocytosis of lymphoid cells and macrophages, and individual necrotic keratinocytes. Electron microscopy revealed naked viruses with a mean diameter of 24 nm which were arranged in sheets in the cytoplasm. Many keratinocyte nuclei contained tonofibrils. Cellular injury ranged from slight cytoplasmic edema to keratinocyte necrosis. Some nuclei showed dissolution of the nuclear membrane and dislocation of cytoplasm into the nucleus.
Insights
Early hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) lesions show characteristic viral changes under microscopy. Electron microscopy identified naked viruses within skin and oral cells, confirming viral cytopathic effects.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness.
- Lesions in HFMD typically affect the skin and oral mucosa.
- Understanding the ultrastructural pathology of early HFMD lesions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early histopathological and ultrastructural features of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) lesions.
- To identify viral particles and cellular changes in affected tissues.
Main Methods:
- Biopsies of early skin and oral mucous membrane lesions from HFMD patients were obtained.
- Samples were analyzed using both light microscopy and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Light microscopy revealed spongiosis, intraepidermal splits, exocytosis, and necrotic keratinocytes.
- Electron microscopy detected naked viruses (approximately 24 nm in diameter) in cytoplasmic sheets.
- Significant cellular injury, including cytoplasmic edema and nuclear alterations, was observed.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed ultrastructural evidence of viral cytopathic effects in early HFMD lesions.
- Microscopic findings correlate with the clinical presentation of HFMD.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of HFMD pathogenesis at a cellular level.