In the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis, what finding is characteristic when performing a wet mount microscopy?
Group of answer choices
- Increased white blood cells
- Trichomonads
- Clue cells
- Pseudohyphae
The correct answer is: Pseudohyphae
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Explanation:
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) is caused by Candida species (most commonly Candida albicans). On wet mount microscopy, the characteristic findings are:
- Pseudohyphae (elongated, branching filamentous structures)
- Budding yeast cells
Why not the others?
- Increased white blood cells (WBCs): More suggestive of bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, though mild inflammation can occur in candidiasis.
- Trichomonads: Motile, flagellated protozoa seen in trichomoniasis, not candidiasis.
- Clue cells: Epithelial cells coated with Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria, diagnostic for bacterial vaginosis, not yeast infections.
Thus, the presence of pseudohyphae is the hallmark microscopic finding in vulvovaginal candidiasis.
