Which of the following viruses, in addition to HSV-1 and HSV-2, produces the cytopathologic findings of multinucleated giant cells? (NOT RELATED): (A) Adenovirus, (B) Cytomegalovirus, (C) Human papillomavirus, (D) Varicella-zoster virus
Answer is D. A Tzanck smear assay can be used to identify the characteristic cytopathologic effects of multinucleated giant cells in herpetic skin lesions; however, this assay cannot distinguish among HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV infections.