A 19-year-old with a 3-day history of vaginal itch and white clumpy discharge would most likely show which finding microscopically?

A 19-year-old presenting with a 3-day history of vaginal itch and white clumpy discharge is suggestive of a yeast infection, commonly caused by Candida species. When examining this condition microscopically, the presence of hyphae and/or yeast forms, often referred to as C-hyphae, is typically observed. These structures appear as branching filaments typical of fungi, particularly in cases of candidiasis.

The characteristic clumpy discharge aligns with the typical presentation of a yeast infection, where the microscopic examination reveals the Candida organisms, confirming the diagnosis. This is why C-hyphae is the most appropriate finding in this scenario.

In contrast, motile organisms (often indicative of bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis) would not be present in a candidiasis case. Clue cells, which are indicative of bacterial vaginosis, would also not be relevant in this context, and squamous cells, while typically present in vaginal secretions, are not diagnostic for any specific condition regarding this presentation. Therefore, the microscopy evidence of C-hyphae aligns with the symptoms and discharge characteristics observed in the patient’s presentation.