Pap Smear · Pathology

How do Trichomonas vaginalis organisms typically appear in a Papanicolaou-stained smear?

  1. Large, bright red oval organisms with prominent, distinct nuclei
  2. Small, cyanophilic pear-shaped organisms with a pale eccentric nucleus
  3. Long, branching pseudohyphal filaments forming a spaghetti-like pattern
  4. Intracellular viral inclusions residing within the host cell nucleus
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Correct answer: Small, cyanophilic pear-shaped organisms with a pale eccentric nucleus

Trichomonas vaginalis appears as grayish-green (cyanophilic) or pale blue pear-shaped organisms. They are roughly 15-30 micrometers in size and often show a small, pale, 'almond-shaped' nucleus.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 20

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