Cowdry type

Fig. 23.2 Acute herpes virus hepatitis with intranuclear bodies (Cowdry type A) (- )...

Cowdry type A bodies of HSV are not easy to demonstrate in small brain-biopsy specimens. This argues for sensitive and specific methods of identification such as in situ hybridization (ISH), PCR, and IHC. s Electron microscopy may demonstrate viral particles within the nuclei or cytoplasm but is less sensitive and less specific. Culture and sequential serologic CSF evaluations are slow but are still the most accurate methods of diagnosis for many viral CNS infections, including HSV. 

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and milder encephalitis are caused by measles virus. Focal lymphocytic inflammation in the leptomeninges and perivascular spaces, with many CD4-positive cells, patchy GFAP-positive fibrillary astrocytosis, and occasional microglial nodules, involves the cerebral cortex. Diffuse mononuclear inflammation, gliosis, and loss of myelin occur in subcortical white matter. Inclusion bodies are Cowdry type A and may be seen on H E-stained slides their specific identification requires IHC. °... 

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