Micro & Immunology · single question
Which is the most common fungal species in the oral cavity when Candida albicans is NOT among the options?
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Correct answer: A. Aspergillus
Candida albicans is by far the most common oral fungal organism. Among the NON-Candida fungi, Aspergillus is the most common in the oral cavity — making it the second most common oral fungal infection overall. Aspergillus presents as a black or yellow necrotic ulcerative lesion on the palate or posterior tongue, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- A. CORRECT. When Candida is excluded, Aspergillus is the most common oral fungal pathogen. It is the second most common oral fungal infection overall.
- B. Incorrect. Blastomyces dermatitidis can cause oral lesions in endemic areas but is not the most common non-Candida oral fungus.
- C. Incorrect. Cryptococcus neoformans primarily causes meningitis in immunocompromised patients — oral manifestations are rare.
- D. Incorrect. Histoplasma capsulatum causes systemic histoplasmosis with potential oral lesions, but is less common in the oral cavity than Aspergillus.
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