Immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of cutaneous viral infections- part II: cutaneous viral infections by parvoviruses, poxviruses, paramyxoviridae, picornaviridae, retroviruses and filoviruses.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous viral infections are increasing in recent years, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

OBJECTIVE: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) provides a rapid and helpful tool that can be applied to confirm the diagnosis of specific viral infections that may be difficult to diagnose with certainty using routine microscopy alone.

METHODS: Several immunostains that are useful in histopathology have been reviewed and tested in cutaneous samples of viral infections. Emphasis is placed on new stains and novel uses of existing stains.

RESULTS: This article is an up-to-date overview of the potential uses of IHC in the histopathologic diagnosis of cutaneous viral infections by parvoviruses, polyomaviruses, poxviruses, paramyxoviridae, picornaviridae, retroviruses, and filoviruses.

LIMITATIONS: Specific monoclonal antibodies are commercially available only for some members of these virus families.

CONCLUSIONS: IHC may assist dermatopathologists to appropriately diagnose viral infections by parvoviruses, polyomaviruses, poxviruses, paramyxoviridae, picornaviridae, retroviruses, and filoviruses.