Which sign is classically associated with Trichomonas vaginalis infection?

Which sign is classically associated with Trichomonas vaginalis infection?

• A. Koplik spots
• B. Strawberry cervix
• C. Flagellated form visible in wet mount
• D. Painless genital ulcer

Answer: (B)

Strawberry cervix is the classic sign of Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The inflammation caused by the parasite leads to punctate hemorrhages on the cervix, giving it a bright red, stippled appearance that resembles the surface of a strawberry. This distinctive exam finding is the hallmark clinicians look for, especially in a patient with frothy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and irritation. A wet mount may show motile, flagellated trophozoites of Trichomonas, which helps confirm the diagnosis, but the strawberry cervix is the well-known, characteristic sign you’d expect to be described in exam literature. Koplik spots are associated with measles, a painless genital ulcer points to syphilis, and a visible flagellated form on a wet mount is a diagnostic clue rather than the classic clinical sign.

Strawberry cervix is the classic sign of Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The inflammation caused by the parasite leads to punctate hemorrhages on the cervix, giving it a bright red, stippled appearance that resembles the surface of a strawberry. This distinctive exam finding is the hallmark clinicians look for, especially in a patient with frothy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and irritation.

A wet mount may show motile, flagellated trophozoites of Trichomonas, which helps confirm the diagnosis, but the strawberry cervix is the well-known, characteristic sign you’d expect to be described in exam literature. Koplik spots are associated with measles, a painless genital ulcer points to syphilis, and a visible flagellated form on a wet mount is a diagnostic clue rather than the classic clinical sign.