What are creola bodies primarily made of?

Creola bodies are primarily made of clusters of surface epithelial cells that have lost their normal organization. They are often seen in the context of respiratory tract infections, such as asthma or bronchitis. These clusters typically indicate a significant inflammatory response in the airway epithelium, and their presence highlights the role of epithelial cells in conditions affecting respiratory health.

The formation of creola bodies can serve as a diagnostic feature in certain respiratory conditions, as they reflect damage and desquamation of the airway lining. Their identification can help clinicians understand the underlying pathology related to airway diseases. The hallmark nature of these structures as aggregates of epithelial cells differentiates them from other components of respiratory secretions, such as eosinophils or mucus, which have distinct roles in the immune response and allergy.