Viral Infections · Pathology

Koilocytic atypia, characterized by nuclear enlargement and perinuclear cytoplasmic vacuolization, is a hallmark of which virus?

  1. Molluscum contagiosum virus
  2. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  3. Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)
  4. Adenovirus (serotype 2)
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Correct answer: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Koilocytes are squamous cells showing the cytopathic effects of HPV. The virus alters the cytoskeleton, leading to a prominent 'halo' around an enlarged, hyperchromatic, 'raisin-like' nucleus.

Difficulty: Medium Question 6 of 20

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