Negri bodies are seen in:(1994)
**Core Concept**
Negri bodies are characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies found in the neurons of individuals infected with rabies virus. They are a key diagnostic feature of the disease, which is caused by a lyssavirus.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Negri bodies are formed due to the accumulation of viral nucleocapsid proteins within the cytoplasm of infected neurons. This occurs as a result of the viral replication process, where the viral genome is transcribed and translated into proteins that eventually aggregate to form the characteristic inclusion bodies. The presence of Negri bodies in the brain tissue of a deceased individual is a definitive diagnosis of rabies, and they are often used as a reference standard in post-mortem examinations.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Negri bodies are not associated with viral infections other than rabies.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because there is no known association between Negri bodies and bacterial infections.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because Negri bodies are not a feature of viral infections that affect the skin or mucous membranes, but rather a characteristic of viral infections that affect the central nervous system.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Negri bodies are a classic example of a viral inclusion body, and their presence in brain tissue is a definitive diagnostic criterion for rabies. It is essential to recognize the clinical and pathological features of rabies, including the presence of Negri bodies, to make an accurate diagnosis and provide timely treatment to prevent the spread of the disease.
**Correct Answer: C.**