Obstetrics & Gynecology

Answer 2 > 4.5. Trichomonas vaginales is the organism observed on the wet preparation. Over 3 million women are diagnosed with trichomoniasis yearly. Infection occurs in the vagina, urethra, and bladder. The organism is usually transmitted by sexual intercourse; however, T. vaginalis has been known to survive outside the body for several hours and, rarely, may be transmitted by fomites such as clothing or towels. Between 20% and 50% of patients with trichomoniasis are asymptomatic when the flagellated protozoa are found on microscopic examination of a wet preparation obtained during a Papanicolaou test. When tested, the vaginal pH level is usually greater than 4.5 when this organism is present. A pH less than 4.5 usually rules out bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, and a pH greater than 4.5 usually signifies an unhealthy vaginal ecosystem. Candidiasis usually occurs in patients with a vaginal pH of less than 4.5. A healthy vaginal pH usually ranges from 3.8 to 4.3. The hallmark of the wet preparation for bacterial vaginosis is the "clue cell" of the bacteria adherent to the squames. The pseudohyphae of yeast are the hallmark of the wet preparation for candidiasis, better visualized by a potassium hydroxide preparation. Click here to return to the questions

Hospital Physician     JCOM     Seminars in Medical Practice Hospital Physician Board Review Manuals About TWC    Subscribe    Contact TWC    Home    Search   Site Map Copyright © 2009, Turner White Communications Updated 1/04/08 • kkj