Histopathology

Definition

The microscopic examination of thin tissue sections to diagnose disease and characterize pathological changes in cells, tissues, and organs. In entomology and veterinary contexts, histopathology is used to study tissue damage caused by arthropod parasites, pathogens transmitted by vectors, or toxic effects of venoms and defensive secretions. The technique involves fixing tissue samples, embedding them in paraffin or resin, sectioning with a microtome, staining (commonly with hematoxylin and eosin), and examining under light microscopy.

Etymology

From Greek histos (tissue) + pathos (suffering) + -logia (study)

Example

Histopathology of mosquito midgut tissue reveals oocysts of Plasmodium parasites developing within the epithelium, confirming vector competence and infection intensity in malaria research.

Synonyms

• tissue pathology
• surgical pathology

Related Terms

• cytopathology
• biopsy
• vector competence
• Pathogenesis
• immunohistochemistry
• entomopathology
• parasitology

Usage Notes

Distinguished from cytopathology, which examines free cells or fluid samples rather than intact tissue architecture. In arthropod research, histopathology is essential for studying host-parasite interactions, confirming infections in vector surveillance, and evaluating tissue damage from mite infestations (e.g., Sarcoptes scabiei in skin biopsies) or tick-borne pathogens. The term is used both for the diagnostic discipline and for the pathological findings themselves.