The vaginal is sometimes only mildly reddened. There may be patches of white membrane or severe inflammation with edema and ulcers. Colonies of the fungus are present on the surface and extend into the epithelium but not into the underlying tissues. Mild edema and chronic inflammatory cells are present. If ulceration develops fungi are seen in the base of the ulcers with marked acute inflammation.
Cytological smears show yeast forms and branching pseudohyphae.
Pap smear showing branched and budding Candida albicans. Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis is caused by the unicellular flagellated protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis. It is sexually transmitted. The disease involves not only the vagina but also lower urinary tract. Clinical presentation Most infections are asymptomatic and pass unnoticed.