clue cell

{{Short description|Epithelial cell of the human vagina that is covered with bacteria}}

File:Micrograph of a clue cell, annotated.jpg

File:Clue cells in bacterial vaginosis.jpg

Clue cells are epithelial cells of the vagina that get their distinctive stippled appearance by being covered with bacteria. The etymology behind the term "clue" cell derives from the original research article from Gardner and Dukes describing the characteristic cells. The name was chosen for its brevity in describing the sine qua non of bacterial vaginosis.{{cite journal|last=Gardner|first=Herman|author2=Dukes, Charles|title=Haemophilus vaginalis vaginitis: A newly defined specific infection previously classified "nonspecific" vaginitis|journal=American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology|date=May 1955|pages=962–976|pmid=14361525|volume=69|issue=5|doi=10.1016/0002-9378(55)90095-8}}

They are a medical sign of bacterial vaginosis, particularly that caused by Gardnerella vaginalis,{{cite journal |vauthors=Scott TG, Smyth CJ, Keane CT |title=In vitro adhesiveness and biotype of Gardnerella vaginalis strains in relation to the occurrence of clue cells in vaginal discharges |journal=Genitourinary Medicine |volume=63 |issue=1 |pages=47–53 |date=February 1987 |pmid=3493202 |pmc=1194007 |doi= 10.1136/sti.63.1.47}} a group of Gram-variable bacteria. This bacterial infection is characterized by thin gray vaginal discharge, and an increase in vaginal pH from around 4.5 to over 5.5.

File:Clue cells - CDC PHIL 3720.jpg