Vaginal epithelial cells covered with bacteria, the “clue cells”, index cells or control cells, are a sign of bacterial vaginosis. This bacterial infection diagnosed by the Nugent test results in a foul fishy odor and acidic discharge.
“The term is a bit obsolete, it has even almost disappeared from our language, we hardly use clue cells anymore to establish the diagnosis of vaginosis, that is to say vaginal infections.“, emphasizes Joëlle Robion. These “control” cells can be flagged during a smear. “But the reference examination for vaginosis screening remains the Nugent test.“, insists the specialist. It is a cytobacteriological examination of vaginal discharge performed in the laboratory in order to analyze the proportion of lactobacilli germs. This score aims to assess the quality of the vaginal bacterial ecosystem and is divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (score from 0 to 3) shows normal flora with a predominance of lactobacilli. Group 2 (score of 4 to 6) reveals an intermediate flora with low abundance of lactobacilli. Group 3 (score between 7 and 10) shows flora suggestive of bacterial vaginosis. “In short, the more the lactobacilli disappear, the more the flora is unbalanced“, continues the gynecologist.
What does the presence of clue cells mean?
The presence of clue cells indicates an infection, i.e. a bacterial vaginosis. “Very often, the clinical symptoms are odorous losses, losses with a more acidic PH which cause burns. Again, only the Nugent test can establish a safe and reliable diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.”
What does an absence of clue cells mean?
An absence of clue cells means that there is no bacterial vaginosis and that the vaginal flora is completely balanced.
What is the treatment if there is a presence of clue cells?
“The classic treatment lies in the taking Flagyl eggs and antibiotic treatment in one take.” In the presence of recurrent bacterial vaginosis, which is extremely troublesome for women, “it is possible to add probiotics in order to rebalance the flora“, concludes the expert.
Thanks to Doctor Joëlle Robion, medical gynecologist working in 77, member of Syngof.