Same edentulous denture-wearing patient with diffuse palatal erythema under the maxillary denture. What is the etiology of the lesion?

Correct answer: D. Fungus (Candida albicans)

• A. Bacteria are not the primary etiology; the biofilm is fungal-dominant.
• B. HSV causes acute vesicular/ulcerative lesions, not chronic diffuse erythema beneath a denture.
• C. True acrylic allergy is rare and usually presents acutely with symptoms extending beyond the denture-bearing area.
• D. CORRECT — Denture stomatitis is caused by Candida albicans overgrowth beneath a poorly cleaned prosthesis. Continuous denture wear creates a warm, acidic, anaerobic microenvironment favoring fungal biofilm formation.