This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Microbiology
Multinucleated giant cells are seen in smear from the lesions of: March 2013 
Select and explain. 
A. Poliovirus, B. Herpes simplex virus, C. Rabiesvirus, D. HIV
B: Herpes simplex virus
Answer: B: Herpes simplex virus 
Explanation: Ans. B i.e. Herpes simplex virus Herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses cause abnormal cell division in epidermal cells, and this creates multinucleated giant cells. These are epidermal cells that are much larger than the normal epidermal cells, and they contain multiple nuclei.