Question

Mrs. Smith is a 45-year-old patient who presents to your office with a complaint of a thick, white, and curdy vaginal discharge. The discharge has no odor, but she is experiencing vaginal itching. What could these symptoms indicate?

A. Bacterial vaginalis
B. Candidiasis
C. Trichomonas vaginalis
D. Gonorrhea

Answer 1

Mrs. Smith's symptoms suggest Candidiasis, a form of vaginitis caused by yeast infection from Candida albicans, commonly treated with antifungal medications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described by Mrs. Smith, such as the thick, white, and curdy vaginal discharge without odor accompanied by vaginal itching, are indicative of Candidiasis. This condition is a common form of vaginitis caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast. In contrast, Bacterial vaginosis typically presents a thin, white-to-yellow discharge with a fish-like odor, Trichomonas vaginalis can cause a frothy discharge and has a distinctive odor, and Gonorrhea can cause more various symptoms including pain and inflammation. Candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, often occurs when the natural microbial balance in the vagina is disturbed, like following antibiotic use, during pregnancy, or in immunocompromised states such as diabetes or HIV.

Diagnosis is usually achieved through the examination of discharge characteristics, and treatment commonly involves antifungal medications. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are important to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.