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Electron-microscopic study of measles virus in lymphocytes of affected children

The Journal of Hygiene
|September 1, 1973
PubMed

Insights

Electron microscopy revealed two distinct inclusion bodies in measles-infected children

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Measles virus infection can lead to characteristic cellular changes.
  • Inclusion bodies are abnormal structures found within cells during viral infections.
  • Understanding viral cytopathology aids in diagnosis and understanding disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize and differentiate inclusion bodies observed in lymphocytes of children with measles.
  • To determine the temporal appearance and potential specificity of these inclusion bodies.

Main Methods:

  • Electron microscopy was used to examine sectioned lymphocytes from children infected with measles.
  • Morphological analysis was performed on identified inclusion bodies.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct types of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were identified in measles-infected lymphocytes.
  • Type 1: Tubular, 18 nm internal diameter, embedded in osmiophilic material, observed during incubation period; not specific to measles.
  • Type 2: Less tubular, resembling measles nucleocapsid, observed only after rash onset.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct morphological forms of inclusion bodies are present in measles infection.
  • The second type of inclusion body, resembling measles nucleocapsid, may serve as a more specific indicator of active measles replication.
  • Further investigation into the nature and significance of these inclusion bodies is warranted.

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