The laboratory diagnosis of vaginal infections caused by Trichomonas and Candida (Monilia) species

A survey was made of all Trichomonas or Candida (Monilia) infections diagnosed by laboratory methods during 1 yr. Trichomonas infections were diagnosed with over 90 per cent. accuracy by wet-smear microscopy, and similar success rates were achieved by cytological examination and cultural techniques. Candida infections, however, were detected in only 52 per cent. of positive cases by direct microscopy and in only 30 per cent. by examination of cytological smears, whereas 93 per cent. of the cases were proven by culture. It is suggested that wet smears of vaginal exudate should be examined microscopically from all women with excess vaginal discharge or with symptoms of vaginal infection; if wet-smear microscopy is negative, the vaginal fluid should be cultured, even if another lesion is believed to be responsible for the discharge.