Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Gardnerella

 

Clue cell on wet mount showing the vaginal epithelial cell covered with bacteria

The presence of Gardnerella on an otherwise normal Pap smear in a patient without symptoms is of no consequence.

If the Pap shows inflammation sufficient to obscure the reading and the cytologist asks for an earlier-than-normal repeat Pap, many physicians will treat the patient with Flagyl before repeating the smear. Others will simply repeat the smear at a somewhat earlier-than-normal time.

Watch a video showing Clue cells


OB-GYN 101: Introductory Obstetrics & Gynecology
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