Cytopathic effect

Cytopathogenic viruses cause morphological changes characteristic of the infected cell, which are typical of certain virus types. These changes are summarized under the term cytopathic effect (CPE).

The CPE is required for the virus diagnosis and histological assessment of pathological material in the differential diagnosis.

We distinguish between different forms of CPE:

  • Rounding of the cells and detachment of the cells with subsequent lysis (eg by Picornaviridae )
  • Formation of polynuclear giant cells ( syncytia ) based on cell fusion (eg, Paramyxoviridae )
  • Formation of mononuclear giant cells ( cytomegalovirus )
  • Formation of inclusion bodies (eg, poxviruses, adenoviruses, rabies virus )

In the diagnosis of viral CPE, is used in a plaque assay to determine virus concentration.

Medical diagnosis Poxviridae Adenoviridae Rabiesvirus
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