Clue cells

Clue cells
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Vaginal discharge, fishy odor
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Bacterial vaginosis
Risks
Diagnosis	Microscopy
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antibiotics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency
Deaths	N/A

Clue cells are a type of epithelial cell found in the vaginal fluid that are characteristic of bacterial vaginosis (BV). They are named "clue cells" because their presence provides a "clue" to the diagnosis of BV. Clue cells are vaginal epithelial cells that have a stippled appearance due to being covered with bacteria.

Characteristics

Clue cells are vaginal epithelial cells that appear granular and stippled under a microscope. This appearance is due to the adherence of Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobic bacteria to the cell surface. The edges of the cell are obscured by the bacteria, giving the cell a "fuzzy" appearance. This is in contrast to normal vaginal epithelial cells, which have a clear, defined border.

Pathophysiology

Clue cells are associated with bacterial vaginosis, a condition characterized by an imbalance in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina. In BV, there is a reduction in the number of Lactobacillus species, which are normally predominant in the vaginal flora, and an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus, and others. The adherence of these bacteria to the vaginal epithelial cells results in the formation of clue cells.

Diagnosis

The presence of clue cells is one of the Amsel's criteria for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. A wet mount preparation of vaginal discharge is examined under a microscope. The presence of clue cells, along with a vaginal pH greater than 4.5, a fishy odor on the addition of potassium hydroxide (the "whiff test"), and a homogeneous, thin, white discharge, are used to diagnose BV.

Clinical Significance

The identification of clue cells is important in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, which is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. BV is associated with several complications, including an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm birth, and post-surgical infections.

Treatment

The treatment of bacterial vaginosis involves the use of antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin. These antibiotics can be administered orally or intravaginally. Treatment aims to restore the normal vaginal flora and eliminate the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria.

Prevention

Preventive measures for bacterial vaginosis include maintaining good vaginal hygiene, avoiding douching, and using condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Probiotics may also be beneficial in restoring the normal vaginal flora.

See Also

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Gardnerella vaginalis
• Amsel's criteria

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