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 candidiasisOral 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 cultureCandida albicans – SABHI agar plate culture

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