What do cells infected with the Epstein-Barr virus look like under microscope?
- Enlarged cell size: EBV-infected cells often show an increase in size compared to uninfected cells. This enlargement is due to the presence of the viral genome within the cell, which leads to an increase in cellular contents.
- Altered nuclear morphology: The nucleus of EBV-infected cells may appear abnormal. It can become enlarged and contain prominent nucleoli, which are structures involved in ribosome synthesis. The nuclear membrane may also appear irregular or disrupted.
- Presence of viral particles: In some cases, viral particles associated with EBV may be visible within the cytoplasm or near the cell membrane of infected cells. These particles can be detected using specific staining techniques or electron microscopy.
- Formation of syncytia: EBV infection can lead to the fusion of infected cells with neighboring uninfected cells, resulting in the formation of multinucleated giant cells known as syncytia. Syncytia can be observed under a microscope and are a characteristic feature of EBV infection.
- Changes in cell surface markers: EBV infection can alter the expression of certain cell surface markers on infected cells. These changes can affect the interactions of infected cells with the immune system and other cells in the environment, contributing to the establishment and persistence of the virus.
It's important to note that not all EBV-infected cells may exhibit all of these features simultaneously. The specific changes observed can vary depending on the stage of infection, the type of infected cell, and the individual's immune response. Laboratory techniques, such as immunofluorescence staining or in situ hybridization, are commonly used to identify and characterize EBV-infected cells under a microscope.