What type of cell is indicative of viral infection characterized by inclusions in the nucleus?

The type of cell indicative of a viral infection, characterized by inclusions in the nucleus, is known as an owl-eyed cell. These cells are typically observed in infections with certain viruses, most notably cytomegalovirus (CMV). The term "owl-eye" refers to the distinctive appearance of the nuclei, which are large with intranuclear inclusions that can create a pattern resembling the eyes of an owl.

In CMV infection, the presence of these owl-eyed cells is a hallmark finding, especially in tissue biopsies. CMV is known to cause various diseases, particularly in immunocompromised patients, where such histopathological features are more readily observed.

Other choices represent different types of cells associated with specific conditions but are not indicative of viral infections characterized by nuclear inclusions. Koilocytes are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and are characterized by perinuclear cytoplasmic halos, but they do not have the distinctive nuclear appearance associated with owl-eyed cells. Reed-Sternberg cells are characteristic of Hodgkin lymphoma and do not indicate viral infection. Mallory bodies are associated with alcoholic liver disease and also do not represent viral inclusions.

Thus, the presence of owl-eyed cells serves as a key indicator of