Match each common gynecologic infection with its characteristic clinical presentation and microscopic findings.
- Bacterial vaginosisThin, homogeneous, grayish discharge with clue cells on saline microscopy and elevated vaginal pH
- TrichomoniasisYellow-green, frothy discharge with motile, flagellated organisms on wet mount and punctate cervical hemorrhages
- Vulvovaginal candidiasisThick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge with pseudohyphae on potassium hydroxide preparation and normal vaginal pH
- Gonococcal cervicitisMucopurulent endocervical exudate with gram-negative intracellular diplococci on Gram stain
Answer
Bacterial vaginosis pairs with thin grayish discharge and clue cells. Trichomoniasis pairs with frothy yellow-green discharge and motile organisms. Vulvovaginal candidiasis pairs with thick white discharge and pseudohyphae. Gonococcal cervicitis pairs with mucopurulent exudate and gram-negative diplococci.
Each gynecologic infection has distinct hallmark findings. Bacterial vaginosis is identified by clue cells and a thin, homogeneous discharge. Trichomoniasis features motile, flagellated organisms in a frothy discharge, sometimes accompanied by a 'strawberry cervix' (punctate hemorrhages). Vulvovaginal candidiasis is distinguished by pseudohyphae on KOH prep, normal vaginal pH, and thick, cottage cheese-like discharge. Finally, gonococcal cervicitis is a classic cause of mucopurulent discharge showing gram-negative intracellular diplococci.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Accurate diagnosis of common vaginitis and cervicitis requires correlating clinical discharge appearance with specific point-of-care testing such as vaginal pH, wet mount, and KOH preparation.