Question:

A sexually active female presents with a profuse, frothy, foul-smelling discharge and intense itching. Examination reveals a strawberry cervix. What is the diagnosis?

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Which organism gives a frothy discharge and a strawberry cervix?
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Trichomonas vaginalis
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Candidiasis
  • None
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Answer: Trichomonas vaginalis.
Step 1: The triad of a profuse, frothy, foul (offensive) vaginal discharge with intense itching plus a strawberry cervix is the classic picture of trichomoniasis caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.
Step 2: The discharge is typically thin, greenish-yellow and frothy. Punctate haemorrhagic spots on the cervix and vaginal walls give the strawberry (colpitis macularis) appearance. There may be dysuria and a sexual mode of transmission.
Step 3: Bacterial vaginosis gives a thin, grey, fishy discharge but no frothiness, no strawberry cervix and little itching. Candidiasis gives a thick, white, curdy discharge with intense itching but no froth and no strawberry cervix.
Step 4: Frothy offensive discharge plus a strawberry cervix is diagnostic of Trichomonas vaginalis. Treatment is metronidazole, including the partner. Ref: Dutta Gynaecology, 6e, p.163-164.
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