A sexually active 24-year-old woman presents to your office complaining of vaginal discharge.

A sexually active 24-year-old woman presents to your office complaining of vaginal discharge. Findings from a wet prep are pictured here.

The most likely diagnosis is
A) Yeast vaginitis
B) Gardnerella infection
C) Trichomonas infection
D) Gonorrhea
E) Chlamydia

Answer is
A. (Yeast vaginitis)

Discussion" Yeast vaginitis causes approximately one-third of all vaginal infections.

Risk factors include

• pregnancy, 
• diabetes,
• use of intrauterine devices, 
• recent antibiotic use, 
• immune deficiency, or corticosteroid use. 

Diagnosis is made by examination of a vaginal smear under high-power microscopy after potassium hydroxide has been added. Budding yeast and pseudohyphae are noted.

Topical antifungals are effective, as are single-dose oral antifungals.