Cytological smear showing multinucleated giant cells, synctium and ballooning degeneration of the nucleus is a characteristic of_____________?

Correct answer: A. Herpes simplex virus infection

  • A. Herpes simplex virus infection
  • B. Erythema multiforme
  • C. Recurrent apthous stomatitis
  • D. Coxsackie virus infection

Explanation

HSV-infected epithelial cells show ballooning degeneration, nuclear molding, multinucleation and fusion into syncytia, producing the characteristic cytological smear. These changes are much more typical of herpesvirus infection than erythema multiforme, aphthous stomatitis or coxsackievirus infection.

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