Negri bodies m/c seen in
**Core Concept**
Negri bodies are eosinophilic, intracytoplasmic inclusions found in the nerve cells of individuals infected with rabies virus. They are a hallmark of rabies and play a crucial role in the diagnosis of this viral encephalitis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Negri bodies are formed due to the aggregation of rabies virus particles within the cytoplasm of the infected nerve cells. The viral nucleocapsid protein accumulates and forms characteristic rod-shaped inclusions that can be visualized under light microscopy. These inclusions are most commonly found in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While rabies virus can infect various cells, Negri bodies are specifically associated with nerve cells, making this option incorrect.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as Negri bodies are not seen in the liver cells, which are more commonly associated with viral hepatitis.
**Option C:** This option is also incorrect as Negri bodies are not characteristic of herpes simplex encephalitis, which presents with different histopathological features.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite. The presence of Negri bodies in the brain is a definitive diagnostic feature of rabies.
**Correct Answer: D. Nerve cells.