What is characterized by an owl's-eye appearance in tissue samples?

The owl's-eye appearance in tissue samples is specifically associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies from cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. This distinctive appearance is due to the presence of enlarged cells with intranuclear inclusions that appear as large, round structures reminiscent of an owl's eyes. These inclusions can be observed on histological examination and are a hallmark of CMV infection, particularly in the setting of immunosuppression or in congenital infections.

In CMV-infected cells, the virus induces replication and the accumulation of viral particles, leading to a characteristic enlargement of the nuclei. This is a key diagnostic feature that pathologists look for when identifying CMV infections in tissue samples.

Other options like cytoplasmic inclusions in liver cells or eosinophilic globules in hepatocytes are not related to the owl's-eye appearance. While giant B cells in Hodgkin's lymphoma may have distinct features identified in that disease, they do not exhibit the owl's-eye morphology characteristic of CMV. Understanding the unique histopathologic features associated with different diseases is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in clinical pathology.