Question

Cytopathic effect in a host cell is due to result of

• A. Fungal infection
• B. Bacterial infection
• C. Viral infection
• D. Parasitic infestation

Hint:

Cytopathic Effect (CPE) is the hallmark diagnostic key in virology.
Whenever you see "CPE" or "Cytopathic", associate it directly with viral invasion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Microbial pathogens cause distinct pathological changes in the cells and tissues of their hosts.
In cell culture and virology, observing these cellular changes is essential for identifying the causative pathogen.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The term Cytopathic Effect (CPE) refers to structural, degenerative, and morphological changes in host cells caused by the invasion and replication of viruses.
When a virus infects a host cell, it hijacks the host's cellular machinery to replicate its genetic material and synthesize viral proteins.
This process disrupts normal cellular functions and causes visible changes under a microscope, such as:
1. Cell lysis (bursting of the cell to release new virions).
2. Cell rounding and swelling.
3. Syncytium formation (fusion of neighboring cells to form large, multinucleated cells).
4. The formation of inclusion bodies in the nucleus or cytoplasm (which represent sites of viral assembly).
While bacteria, fungi, and parasites cause tissue inflammation, necrosis, or produce toxins, the specific term "cytopathic effect" is classically used to describe viral-induced cellular damage.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Cytopathic effect in a host cell is the result of a Viral infection.