Parasitology

Epithelial Nuclei vs. Trichomonads in Gynecological Smear

Differential diagnosis of Trichomonas and free epithelial nuclei in a vaginal smear. How to avoid false-positive microscopy results.

Vaginal smear: nuclei of destroyed epithelium resembling Trichomonas
Vaginal smear: nuclei of destroyed epithelium resembling Trichomonas

⚠️Caution! Gynecological smear. Locus: vagina. Epithelial nuclei mimic Trichomonas. Do not make an erroneous false-positive conclusion! This can lead to marital breakdown and great stress for the patient.