Question

Question is: A man produces his alleged girlfriend’s medical documents which include a diagnosis of “vulvovaginitis” with the saline wet mount lab results showing flagellated protozoa. What is the likely diagnosis of the man? Explain your diagnosis.

Answer 1

                               The likely diagnosis of the man about his alleged girlfriend is that, she is having vulvovaginitis.

EXPLANATION ;

• Vulvo vaginitis / Vulvitis / Vaginitis - are general terms used - for referring the inflammation of vulval region.
• This can affect women of all ages but mostly common during reproductive years and are often caused by infections.
• Most commonly these infections are caused by bacteria,yeast or trichomoniasis.Other causes includes – STD’s ( sexually transmitted diseases),allergic reactions and irritations.
• Common symptoms includes lumpy – white discharge,burning and itching on vulval region,vulva can become red or swollen.

Here the saline wet mount lab results has the presence of flagellated protozoan – which implies that his girlfriend is diagnosed with vulvo Vaginitis and the reason for this infection is Trichomoniasis.

TRICHOMONIASIS

• This is the third most common cause for vaginitis.
• Causative organism - Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a motile ,flagellated protozoan.
• It is transmitted sexually therefore ,sexual partners have to be treated and must avoid sexual intercourse till cured,otherwise it can cause serious problems.
• Other symptoms concerned with this infection includes – discoloured or yellow – green discharge,dysuria,vaginal irritation etc.
• Trichomoniasis in the vaginal discharge are usually demonstrated by wet mount,acridine orange staining,PAP smear etc.
• Vaginal or urethral discharge is examined microscopically in saline wet mount preparation for unique and characteristic ,jerky ,twitching motility and shape - if present it indicates the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis,the flagellated protozoan.
• Also fixed smears can be stained by acridine orange for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis.
• This infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis be prevented and controlled by safe sexual behaviour,avoidance of multiple sex partners,use of condoms and by treating properly.