Question

What would you expect to see on microscopy in a patient presenting with vaginal odor, thin gray homogeneous discharge, vulvar irritation, and bubbles in vaginal fluid?

A) Clue cells
B) Pseudohyphae
C) Trichomonads
D) Spirochetes

Answer 1

On microscopy of a patient with symptoms indicative of bacterial vaginosis, clue cells would likely be observed. These are epithelial cells with a granular appearance due to bacteria, consistent with the diagnosis of BV.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a patient presenting with vaginal odor, thin gray homogeneous discharge, vulvar irritation, and bubbles in vaginal fluid, on microscopy, you would most likely expect to see clue cells. These findings are suggestive of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which occurs due to an imbalance of the bacterial flora in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of certain bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis. Clue cells are vaginal epithelial cells that have a stippled or granular appearance due to being covered with bacteria. They are one of the primary diagnostic criteria for bacterial vaginosis, along with a white to yellow discharge, a fishy odor (especially after addition of 10% KOH), and a pH greater than 4.5. Other possible microscopic findings like pseudohyphae, trichomonads, or spirochetes would indicate other types of infections such as candidiasis, trichomoniasis, or other less common infections, respectively.