Electron microscopic demonstration of viral particles in sudden infant death syndrome.

Viral particles consistent with adenovirus were demonstrated in the intranuclear inclusion bodies of the intestinal epithelial cells in a 3 1/2-month-old girl who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The particles were demonstrated by electron microscopy using a routine hematoxylin--eosin-stained section. Although viral infection is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of SIDS, this is the first case of SIDS in which viral inclusion bodies have been demonstrated in the intestinal epithelial cells by light and electron microscopy.