Erythematous Candidiasis — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateOral MedicineErythematous CandidiasisORE Part 1

A patient on long-term oral corticosteroid therapy (prednisolone 15 mg daily) for inflammatory bowel disease presents with widespread oral candidiasis. Which form of candidiasis is most likely in this scenario?

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Correct answer: B — Chronic erythematous candidiasis

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · A = shown as B · E = shown as D · D = shown as E

In a patient on long-term corticosteroids with **widespread** oral candidiasis, chronic erythematous candidiasis is most likely. This form presents as diffuse red, atrophic mucosa covering broad areas of the oral cavity—consistent with 'widespread' disease. Pseudomembranous candidiasis (option B) is the acute form, characterised by white removable plaques (thrush) and typically more localised or focal. Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis (D) is rare (1.6% of all cases) and usually involves dysplasia. Angular cheilitis (C) and median rhomboid glossitis (E) are specific Candida-associated lesions, not diffuse presentations. Long-term corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression predisposes to persistent, chronic erythematous disease.

Reference: Classification and clinical manifestations of oral yeast infections. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine (1989–1990); Revised classification in standard dental oral medicine texts as cited in RCS Faculty Dental Journal (2025). URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2181811/