Question:easy

Clue cells are seen in:

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Epithelial cells studded with Gardnerella coccobacilli.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Vaginal candidiasis
  • Chlamydial vaginosis
  • Trichomoniasis
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Anchor on the definition of a clue cell: it is a vaginal squamous epithelial cell so heavily coated by adherent coccobacilli that its normally sharp margin becomes stippled and ill-defined. That coating organism is Gardnerella vaginalis, and the presence of clue cells is one of the Amsel diagnostic criteria, sitting beside a vaginal pH greater than 4.5, a thin grey homogeneous discharge and a positive amine whiff test. Now reject the other choices by their own hallmarks. Candidal infection is identified by pseudohyphae and budding yeasts with a thick white discharge. Chlamydial disease relies on nucleic acid amplification testing and has no clue-cell finding. Trichomoniasis is recognised by motile pear-shaped flagellates on saline wet mount. Only one entity owns the clue cell, and that is bacterial vaginosis.
$ \text{epithelial cell} + \text{adherent coccobacilli (Gardnerella)} \Rightarrow \text{bacterial vaginosis} $
\[\boxed{\text{Bacterial vaginosis}}\]
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