Pathology · single question
A patient with a prosthesis presents with an erythematous area; hyphae are found. What is this associated with?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Candida
- A. Correct. Hyphae (and pseudohyphae) on smear indicate Candida; denture stomatitis is an erythematous Candida-associated infection of the denture-bearing mucosa.
- B. Streptococcus is a bacterium and does not form hyphae.
- C. HSV is a virus producing vesicles/ulcers, not hyphae.
- D. Mechanical trauma alone does not produce fungal hyphae, although it predisposes to candidal colonization.