Question:

Warthin-Finkeldey cells are seen in which disease?

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Grape-like multinucleated giant cells in lymph nodes point to a classic viral exanthem.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Measles
  • Rubella
  • Rabies
  • Typhoid
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Warthin-Finkeldey cells are multinucleated giant cells classically associated with measles infection.

Step 2: Measles virus invades respiratory epithelium, multiplies locally, then spreads via viremia to the reticuloendothelial system. In the prodromal phase it produces multinucleated giant cells, including Warthin-Finkeldey cells in lymphoid tissue. So the answer is measles.

Step 3: Under the microscope these cells show a large grape-like cluster of nuclei. They are found in hyperplastic lymph nodes early in measles, and can also be seen in HIV infection and Kimura disease.

Step 4: The distractors have other markers: rubella, rabies (Negri bodies in neurons) and typhoid (typhoid nodules with macrophages) do not feature Warthin-Finkeldey cells.
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