How are infections identified in histological samples?
Histology plays a crucial role in diagnosing infections:
- Bacterial Infections: Identified by the presence of bacteria and associated inflammatory response, often visible with special stains like Gram staining. - Viral Infections: Characterized by cytopathic effects such as inclusion bodies. Immunohistochemistry may be used to detect viral antigens. - Fungal Infections: Detected using special stains like PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) or GMS (Gomori Methenamine Silver) stain which highlight fungal elements. - Parasitic Infections: Parasites can often be seen directly in tissue sections, with inflammatory responses indicating their presence.
