Pronunciation: [nˈɛɡɹi bˈɒdɪz] (IPA) 
When spelling the medical term "Negri Bodies," it's important to keep in mind that the "g" is pronounced as a soft "j" sound. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /ˈneɪɡriː ˈbɒdiz/. Negri Bodies are structures found in cells infected with certain viruses, such as the rabies virus. They are named after Italian physician Adelchi Negri, who first described them in 1903.
Negri bodies, also known as Negri granules or inclusion bodies, are distinctive cytoplasmic structures that form within neurons infected by certain viruses, particularly the Rabies virus. These structures are named after the Italian physician and pathologist Adelchi Negri, who first described them in 1903. Negri bodies are commonly observed in neurons of the central nervous system, particularly in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and Purkinje cells.
These bodies are characterized by their round or oval shape and their eosinophilic appearance when stained with certain dyes. Negri bodies consist of aggregates of viral proteins and nucleocapsids, representing sites of active viral replication and assembly. They can vary in size, typically ranging from 2 to 20 micrometers in diameter.
The presence of Negri bodies in neurons is a key pathological hallmark of rabies infection and serves as a reliable diagnostic feature. Their detection in tissue samples aids in confirming the diagnosis of rabies, particularly when combined with clinical history and presentation. Additionally, the quantification of Negri bodies can provide insights into the severity and progression of the infection.
While Negri bodies are mostly associated with the Rabies virus, they may also be observed in other viral infections, such as those caused by certain members of the Lyssavirus genus within the Rhabdoviridae family. Negri bodies play a crucial role in viral replication and dissemination within the host, making them important targets for understanding viral pathogenesis and developing antiviral therapies against these infectious diseases.
The term "Negri bodies" is named after Adelchi Negri, an Italian pathologist. He first described these distinct intracellular inclusions in 1903 while studying the brains of individuals who had died from a neurological disorder known as encephalitis lethargica. Negri bodies are primarily found in neurons, particularly in the hippocampus and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, and are composed of aggregates of viral proteins. They are a diagnostic hallmark of infection with the rabies virus, the cause of rabies disease.
