In a normal saline mixture, which finds motile trichomonads?

The presence of motile trichomonads is indicative of an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism is known for its characteristic movement, and its identification is crucial in diagnosing trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection. When a specimen is mixed in normal saline and examined under a microscope, the motility of trichomonads becomes apparent, which helps in confirming the diagnosis.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis (yeast infection) do not present with motile trichomonads. BV is characterized by an imbalance of normal flora and may show other bacterial organisms under a microscope but not motile trichomonads. Similarly, candidiasis is due to an overgrowth of Candida species, typically presenting with yeast forms and pseudohyphae, rather than motile protozoa. Chlamydia, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection and would not show motile trichomonads in a normal saline mixture.

In summary, the detection of motile trichomonads in a normal saline mixture effectively confirms the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis, making this option the correct answer in the context of the question.