CPE of Viruses

Microscopically visible changes in a virus-infected cell's structure are called cytopathic effects (CPEs). Some of these changes include cell shrinkage or enlargement, deterioration, cell fusing and the formation of small particles called inclusion bodies. Not all viruses cause a CPE in their host cell, but when they do, it can be a useful tool in identifying or diagnosing a virus in a laboratory. A thin, single layer of cells, called a monolayer, is inoculated with a virus specimen and observed for changes.

Lysis

• Lysis, rapid cellular destruction leading to cell death, is a cytopathic effect common in enteroviruses. Echovirus and coxsackievirus, both infections causing flu-like symptoms and rash, are examples of enteroviruses, as is polio, now eradicated by vaccine in the U.S. and most Western countries.

Inclusion Bodies

• Inclusion bodies, thick, compacted masses of viral material in host cells, are a cytopathic effect characterizing many types of viruses including herpes simplex, varicella zoster (chicken pox), cytomegalovirus, reoviruses and adenoviruses.

Syncytia

• Syncytia, the virally caused fusion of multiple cells into a single large cell, is a cytopathic effect visible in human immunodeficiency virus, respiratory syncytial virus, measles and mumps.