Question

Pathology HIV-1 encephalitis (HIVE) is characterized by a. accumulation of neutrophils in the neuropil b. presence of multinucleated giant cells c. HIV-I inclusions in the nuclei d. decrease in number of astrocytes

Short answer

Answer: The correct characteristic of HIV-1 encephalitis (HIVE) is the presence of multinucleated giant cells.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate option (a)

Accumulation of neutrophils in the neuropil does not specifically indicate HIV-1 encephalitis. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that can accumulate in various forms of infection and inflammation. Thus, option (a) is not the right characteristic of HIVE.

Evaluate option (b)

Presence of multinucleated giant cells is a characteristic seen in HIVE. These cells form due to the fusion of infected and uninfected macrophages in the central nervous system. The presence of multinucleated giant cells is a key feature in diagnosing HIVE. So, option (b) seems to be a correct option.

Evaluate option (c)

HIV-1 inclusions in the nuclei are not specific to HIVE. While viral inclusions can be seen in the nucleus of infected cells, it is not a hallmark feature of HIVE. Therefore, option (c) is not the characteristic of HIVE.

Evaluate option (d)

A decrease in the number of astrocytes is not a specific characteristic of HIVE. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that help support neurons in the central nervous system. While they might be affected in HIVE due to inflammation and neuronal damage, this is not a specific feature of HIVE. Hence, option (d) is not the characteristic of HIVE.

Choose the correct option

Based on the evaluation of each option, we can conclude that the correct characteristic of HIV-1 encephalitis (HIVE) is: b. presence of multinucleated giant cells