Angular Cheilitis Organisms — NDEB AFK MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: C — Candida albicans (often with Staphylococcus aureus)
Angular cheilitis (perlèche) is an infection of the commissures (corners of the mouth) most commonly caused by Candida albicans, often in mixed infection with Staphylococcus aureus (or Streptococcus species). Predisposing factors include: overclosure of the vertical dimension (deep folds at commissures trap saliva), denture wear, iron/B-vitamin deficiency, diabetes, immunosuppression, and lip-licking habits. Treatment includes antifungal cream (nystatin or clotrimazole) often combined with a topical antibacterial (mupirocin or fusidic acid), and correction of predisposing factors (restoring VDO, nutritional supplementation).
Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016