Micro & Immunology · single question

Which is the MOST common fungal organism found in the oral cavity?

  1. Aspergillus species
  2. Blastomyces dermatitidis
  3. Cryptococcus neoformans
  4. Candida albicans
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Correct answer: D. Candida albicans

Candida albicans is the most common oral fungal organism — it is a commensal organism normally present in the oral cavity of 30–60% of healthy individuals. It becomes pathogenic under conditions of immunosuppression (HIV/AIDS, systemic steroids, chemotherapy), xerostomia, antibiotic use, or denture wearing. The other options (Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma) cause serious systemic fungal infections but are not normal commensals of the oral cavity.

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