Which wet-mount result confirms a preliminary diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis?

The confirmation of bacterial vaginosis (BV) through a wet-mount examination is primarily characterized by the presence of squamous epithelial cells that demonstrate a stippled appearance and have indistinct borders. This finding indicates the presence of clue cells, which are associated with BV. In addition, a notable feature of bacterial vaginosis is the absence or significant reduction of the normal lactobacillus flora and the presence of many white blood cells, which suggests inflammation or irritation.

When assessing the results: the stippling appearance of squamous epithelial cells is a hallmark of bacterial vaginosis, while the absence of lactobacilli supports the diagnosis by indicating a shift in the normal vaginal flora typically dominated by these beneficial bacteria. This combination of findings is what helps to confirm a diagnosis of BV effectively.