Vaginitis Flashcards
1
Q
bacterial vaginosis (BV),
A
- caused by alterations in the normal vaginal flora, including loss of lactobacilli and overgrowth of mixed anaerobes.
- concentration of the facultative, anaerobic gram-variable rod, Gardnerella vaginalis, is most significantly increased.
- gray or clear discharge with a “fishy” odor. Although BV is not a sexually transmitted disease, it is associated with sexual activity.
- Addition of potassium hydroxide (KOH) to a sample of the discharge (“whiff” test) makes the odor especially prominent.
This odor is caused by volatilization of amines produced by G vaginalis and other anaerobes.
- presence of clue cells on wet mount microscopy of the discharge is also characteristic.
Tx: Clindamycin and metronidazole are effective treatment options
2
Q
Candida albicans
A
intense vaginal pruritus, labial erythema, and a white, curd-like discharge.
- KOH examination shows yeast forms and pseudohyphae.
- normal pH (3.8-4.5)
- tx: azole antifungals (fluconazole)
3
Q
Trichomoniasis (trichomonas vaginalis)
A
Thin, yellow-green, malodorous, frothy discharge
- ph >4.5, motile trichomonads
- tx: metronidazole, treat sexual partner
4
Q
Chlamydia trachomatis
A
gram-negative bacterium that can infect the columnar epithelium of the cervix (eg, cervicitis) and urethra in addition to the lungs and eyes
- Diagnosis is via polymerase chain reaction, and treatment is with azithromycin
