Bacterial Vaginosis: Identifying Non-Characteristic Features
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition. Understanding its typical clinical presentation is key to diagnosis. Let's examine the features listed:
Key Clinical Features of Bacterial Vaginosis
- Vaginal Discharge: Typically thin, grayish-white, and homogeneous.
- Odor: A characteristic fishy odor, often more noticeable after intercourse. This is linked to the presence of amines.
- Vaginal pH: Elevated, usually greater than or equal to 4.5.
- Microscopic Findings: Presence of "clue cells" (vaginal epithelial cells coated with bacteria).
Analysis of Options
- Vaginal pH $\geq$ 5: This elevated pH is consistent with BV. (Characteristic)
- Thick curdy discharge: This type of discharge is typically associated with Candida vaginitis (yeast infection), not BV. BV discharge is usually thin. (NOT Characteristic)
- Amine odour in 10% KOH test: The "fishy" amine odor, often confirmed by adding 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) to vaginal discharge (Whiff test), is a hallmark of BV. (Characteristic)
- Clue cells: These abnormal-looking vaginal cells are a diagnostic hallmark found on microscopic examination in BV cases. (Characteristic)
Therefore, thick curdy discharge is not a clinical feature of Bacterial Vaginosis.
Important Questions from Infections in Genital Tract
- Monilial vaginitis is commonly associated with all EXCEPT:
- A 30 year old lady, P2L2 presents with painful unilateral swelling in vulva for 3 days. Which
of the following statements are true regarding the above case?
1. Bartholin's abscess may be the likely diagnosis
2. It is to be managed by marsupialisation
3. Gonococcus is the most common pathogenic organism
Select the correct answer using the code given below: A 22 year old woman comes with complaints of pain and discomfort in vaginal region. On examination there is unilateral tender swelling in the posterior half of labium minus, overlying skin is red and edematous. What is the most probable diagnosis?
- Which of the following are risk factors for developing pelvic inflammatory disease in females ?
1. Use of oral contraception pills
2. Multiple sexual partners
3. Lower socioeconomic status
4. Genetic predisposition
Select the correct answer using the code given below : Which of the following criteria are required to be fulfilled for hospitali- zation in a case of pelvic inflammatory disease?
1. Coexisting pregnancy
2. Mild fever and pain responding well to antibiotics
3. Suspected tubo-ovarian abscess
4. Coexistent HIV infection
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
