Pap Smear · Pathology

Which cytological finding is most suggestive of an infection with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?

  1. Multinucleated cells with molding and inclusions
  2. Cytoplasmic vacuoles containing neutrophils
  3. Large, keratinized cells with 'ghost' nuclei
  4. Small 'grape-like' clusters with uniform round cells
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Correct answer: Multinucleated cells with molding and inclusions

HSV-infected cells show the '3 Ms': Multinucleation, Margination of chromatin, and Molding of nuclei. Eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions (Cowdry type A) may also be visible.

Difficulty: Medium Question 13 of 20

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