Inflammation of the vaginal epithelium caused by candida albicans is known as:
A. Monilial infection
B. Trichomoniasis infection
C. Bartholin’s gland infection
D. Cervicitis
Correct Answer: A. Monilial infection
Explanation
Inflammation of the vaginal epithelium caused by Candida albicans is known as Candidiasis (also called Vulvovaginal candidiasis).
Explanation:
- Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that normally lives in small numbers in the vagina.
- When there is an imbalance (due to antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, low immunity, or hormonal changes), it overgrows.
- This overgrowth leads to inflammation of the vaginal epithelium, which is termed candidiasis.
Key features of vaginal candidiasis:
- Thick, curdy white discharge (cottage-cheese like)
- Intense itching (pruritus)
- Redness and swelling of the vulva and vagina
- Usually no foul smell
- Vaginal pH is usually normal (acidic)
✅ Correct answer: Candidiasis (Monilial vaginitis)
Other Options Details
Here are clear descriptions of each condition:
A. Monilial infection (Candidiasis)
- Cause: Candida albicans (fungal infection)
- Mode of spread: Overgrowth of normal vaginal flora; not strictly sexually transmitted
- Symptoms:
- Thick, curdy white (cottage-cheese–like) vaginal discharge
- Intense itching and irritation
- Redness of vulva and vagina
- Dysuria and dyspareunia may occur
- Vaginal pH: Usually normal (≤ 4.5)
B. Trichomoniasis infection
- Cause: Trichomonas vaginalis (protozoan parasite)
- Mode of spread: Sexually transmitted
- Symptoms:
- Frothy, greenish-yellow, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Vulvovaginal itching and burning
- Dysuria and dyspareunia
- Characteristic finding: Strawberry cervix (punctate hemorrhages on cervix)
- Vaginal pH: Increased (> 4.5)
C. Bartholin’s gland infection (Bartholinitis)
- Cause: Bacterial infection (commonly E. coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Gonococcus)
- Site: Bartholin glands located at the posterior part of vaginal opening
- Symptoms:
- Painful swelling near the vaginal introitus
- Difficulty in walking or sitting
- Fever if abscess formation occurs
- Complication: Bartholin abscess
D. Cervicitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the cervix
- Cause:
- Infective: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas
- Non-infective: Chemical irritants, trauma
- Symptoms:
- Mucopurulent vaginal discharge
- Post-coital bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain
- Dysuria
- Importance: May ascend to cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group