What type of bodies are indicative of HSV or CMV infection?

Cowdry type A bodies are characteristic of infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). These bodies are intranuclear inclusions that can be observed in tissue samples after histological staining.

In the context of HSV, the presence of Cowdry type A bodies indicates viral replication within the host's cells. These inclusions typically appear as eosinophilic (pink) staining areas within the nucleus and are associated with the pathological effects of the virus, including cell necrosis and inflammation.

In cases of CMV infection, these bodies are also seen, particularly in the context of immunocompromised patients, where the cytomegalovirus can cause significant cellular changes and lead to the formation of these distinctive inclusions.

The identification of Cowdry type A bodies can aid in the diagnosis of these viral infections and reflects the underlying cellular disruption and pathology they cause, making them a vital aspect of histopathological examination when suspecting HSV or CMV.