A commonly occurring infection with Candida albicans, producing white patches that can be wiped off, is called?

• A. Angular cheilitis
• B. Oral leukoplakia
• C. Oral thrush
• D. Oral candidiasis

Answer: (D)

Candida infections in the mouth are called oral candidiasis, also known as thrush. This condition is caused by the fungus Candida albicans and presents with white, creamy patches on the mucosa that can be wiped away to reveal a red, sometimes irritated surface. In exam terms, this is the classic description of a candidal infection, so the medical term oral candidiasis is the precise label for what’s happening.

Angular cheilitis refers to inflammation at the corners of the lips, which may be caused by Candida but presents as fissures or cracks rather than widespread white patches on the mucosa. Oral leukoplakia is a white patch that cannot be rubbed off and is not caused by Candida, often representing a premalignant change. So they don’t fit the infectious Candida picture described.