🌸 Bacterial Vaginosis vs Yeast Infection Differential Simulator

Discharge Characteristic Comparison

Discharge texture is the first visual clue separating BV from candidiasis.

• Thin, gray: BV discharge (homogeneous coating)
• Thick, white: Yeast discharge (cottage-cheese clumps)
• Increased: BV volume (often malodorous)
• Prominent: Yeast itching (vulvar irritation)

Discharge appearance

Short placeholder note on discharge texture differences.

Odor Test (Whiff Test)

Adding KOH to BV discharge releases a distinct fishy amine odor.

• Positive: BV whiff test (fishy amine smell)
• Negative: Yeast whiff test (no amine odor)
• Amines: Cause (putrescine, cadaverine)
• 1 of 4: Amsel criteria role (clinical criterion)

Amine release mechanism

Short placeholder note on KOH amine volatilization.

pH Measurement Comparison

Vaginal pH above 4.5 strongly favors bacterial vaginosis over candidiasis.

• 3.8–4.5: Normal pH (lactobacilli dominant)
• >4.5: BV pH (often 5–6)
• ≤4.5: Yeast pH (usually normal)
• pH paper: Test method (lateral vaginal wall)

pH shift rationale

Short placeholder note on lactobacilli loss and pH rise.

Microscopy Findings

Wet mount microscopy distinguishes clue cells from budding yeast and hyphae.

• Clue cells: BV finding (stippled epithelial cells)
• Hyphae/buds: Yeast finding (pseudohyphae seen)
• Saline: BV prep (wet mount)
• 10% KOH: Yeast prep (lyses cells, keeps fungi)

Microscopic hallmark cells

Short placeholder note on clue cells versus hyphae.

Diagnostic Conclusion

Combining discharge, odor, pH, and microscopy yields the final differential.

• 3 of 4: Amsel criteria (confirms BV)
• KOH prep: Yeast confirm (hyphae visible)
• Metronidazole: BV treatment (or clindamycin)
• Azole antifungal: Yeast treatment (topical or oral)

Putting it together

Short placeholder note on final diagnostic synthesis.

Short placeholder: correlate all four criteria before treating.