Fungal infection in immunocompetent individuals – Microbiology MCQ

Most common fungal infection in immunocompetent individuals is?
A. Histoplasmosis
B. Aspergillosis
C. Candidiasis
D. Cryptococcosis

Correct answer : C. Candidiasis

Oral candidiasis

• Candidiasis is the most common fungal infection in immunocompetent individuals.
• All of the infections mentioned above are usually seen in immunocompromised patients, but they are also seen in immunocompetent persons.
• Candida is part of the normal flora of skin and mucous membranes.
• When the normal flora is altered by the use of antibiotics  / other factors, candida can cause infection.

Candida albicans – SABHI agar plate culture

Image credits (oral candidiasis) : James Heilman, MD (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Jmh649)