Which finding on a saline wet prep is diagnostic for Trichomoniasis?

Which finding on a saline wet prep is diagnostic for Trichomoniasis?

• A. Motile, flagellated organism
• B. Pseudohyphae
• C. Budding yeast
• D. Clue cells

Answer: (A)

On a saline wet prep, the finding that points to Trichomoniasis is a motile, flagellated organism. Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan, and when present in vaginal secretions it appears as a pear-shaped parasite that moves with characteristic, active motility across the field. This mobility is the hallmark clue that distinguishes it from other organisms you might see. The other findings reflect different infections. Pseudohyphae and budding yeast are fungal forms seen with Candida infections, not with Trichomonas. Clue cells are vaginal epithelial cells covered with bacteria and are associated with bacterial vaginosis, not Trichomonas. In practice, while the motile trophozoite on a saline prep can confirm Trichomonas, more sensitive tests such as nucleic acid amplification tests are often used to diagnose Trichomoniasis.

On a saline wet prep, the finding that points to Trichomoniasis is a motile, flagellated organism. Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan, and when present in vaginal secretions it appears as a pear-shaped parasite that moves with characteristic, active motility across the field. This mobility is the hallmark clue that distinguishes it from other organisms you might see.

The other findings reflect different infections. Pseudohyphae and budding yeast are fungal forms seen with Candida infections, not with Trichomonas. Clue cells are vaginal epithelial cells covered with bacteria and are associated with bacterial vaginosis, not Trichomonas.

In practice, while the motile trophozoite on a saline prep can confirm Trichomonas, more sensitive tests such as nucleic acid amplification tests are often used to diagnose Trichomoniasis.