Inclusion body

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Inclusion Body

The Inclusion Body is a term used in pathology to refer to certain structures in the cell. These structures are usually abnormal and are typically found in the nucleus. Inclusion bodies can be indicative of a viral infection or other diseases.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Inclusion bodies are aggregates of insoluble substances, often proteins, that are found in cells. They are usually found in the nucleus of the cell, but can also be found in the cytoplasm. Inclusion bodies can be a sign of a viral infection, as some viruses will cause the host cell to produce these structures. They can also be a sign of genetic diseases, such as Huntington's disease or Parkinson's disease, where misfolded proteins aggregate in the cell.

Types of Inclusion Bodies[edit | edit source]

There are several types of inclusion bodies, including:

  • Negri bodies: These are found in the neurons of individuals infected with the rabies virus.
  • Lewy bodies: These are found in the brains of individuals with Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
  • Mallory bodies: These are found in the liver cells of individuals with alcoholic hepatitis.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The presence of inclusion bodies can be used as a diagnostic tool in pathology. For example, the presence of Negri bodies in a patient's neurons can confirm a diagnosis of rabies. Similarly, the presence of Lewy bodies in a patient's brain can confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Inclusion body Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD