WBR0786
| Author | [[PageAuthor::Rim Halaby, M.D. [1]]] |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | ExamType::USMLE Step 1 |
| Main Category | MainCategory::Microbiology |
| Sub Category | SubCategory::Reproductive |
| Prompt | [[Prompt::A 33 year old woman presents to the gynecology clinic for 2 weeks of vaginal itching and burning with a greenish vaginal discharge. She reports first noticing the discharge 1 week ago associated with a very foul smell that does not seem to resolve completely after she showers. The patient denies any previous episodes. She admits to having several sexual partners and sometimes does not use barrier protection. What would you expect to see on wet mount of a vaginal swab in this patient?]] |
| Answer A | AnswerA::Clue cells |
| Answer A Explanation | AnswerAExp::Clue cells are usually seen in bacterial vaginosis. They are associated with the organism Gardnerella vaginalis, clinically presenting with greyish vaginal discharge with a positive whiff test. |
| Answer B | AnswerB::Motile trophozoites |
| Answer B Explanation | AnswerBExp::Motile trophozoites are characteristic of Trichomonas vaginalis whith a classical presentation seen in this patient. |
| Answer C | AnswerC::Amastigotes |
| Answer C Explanation | AnswerCExp::Amastigotes are are usually not seen on vaginal swabs. They are seen on the blood smear of patients with leishmaniasis. |
| Answer D | AnswerD::Mold hyphae |
| Answer D Explanation | AnswerDExp::Pseudohyphae are seen in patients with candida infections. |
| Answer E | AnswerE::Bacterial spores |
| Answer E Explanation | AnswerEExp::Bacterial spores are usually not seen on vaginal swabs. |
| Right Answer | RightAnswer::B |
| Explanation | [[Explanation::Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic protozoan, and the the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. As the organism only has trophozoites and no cysts, transmission occurs directly. Trichomonas usually infects the urogenital tract causing vaginitis in women and urethritis in men. A frothy thick green vaginal discharge can be seen that is typically very malodorous. Diagnosis is usually by detecting motile trophozoites on vaginal wet-mount. Treatment is with metronidazole for both partners to prevent reinfection.
Schwebke JR, Burgess D. Trichomoniasis. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2004;17(4):794-803, table of contents. |
| Approved | Approved::No |
| Keyword | WBRKeyword::Trophozoites, WBRKeyword::Trichomonas vaginalis |
| Linked Question | Linked:: |
| Order in Linked Questions | LinkedOrder:: |