Oral Candidiasis — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Candida albicans
Candida albicans is the fungal species most commonly responsible for oral thrush, also termed pseudomembranous candidiasis. It typically produces white or cream-coloured plaques that can be removed, revealing a raw erythematous surface that may bleed. Non-albicans Candida species can also cause oral candidiasis, but none is listed here. Aspergillus fumigatus principally causes aspergillosis, while Cryptococcus neoformans is associated mainly with pulmonary or central nervous system infection in immunocompromised patients. Histoplasma capsulatum can produce oral lesions as part of disseminated histoplasmosis, and Mucor species cause mucormycosis rather than typical oral thrush.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Management of Acute Dental Problems, 2nd edition: Candidal infection (Oral thrush), 2026. https://www.acutedentalproblems.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/management-of-oral-conditions/less-common-oral-conditions/candidal-infection-oral-thrush/