An immunohistochemical study of Warthin-Finkeldey cells in measles

An autopsy case of an 18 month old male infant with measles infection is reported. An autopsy revealed generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and hyperplastic thymus. Histologically, there were many Warthin-Finkeldey cells (WFC) in hyperplastic lymphoid tissues. Although viral particles and inclusions were not detected electronmicroscopically, the infection of measles virus was detected in WFC by immunofluorescent technique using anti-measles antibody. Warthin-Finkeldey cells were morphologically and immunohistochemically divided into two groups. The first type was WFC appearing in the germinal centers of lymphoid tissue, revealing many large nuclei and B cell markers. The second type was WFC appearing in the interfollicular areas and thymus, showing many small hyperchromatic nuclei and T cell markers. The data indicate that there might be a morphologic and immunophenotypic heterogeneity in WFC.