Which organism is responsible for cutaneous candidiasis and thrush in immunocompromised individuals?

Which organism is responsible for cutaneous candidiasis and thrush in immunocompromised individuals?

• A. Malassezia furfur
• B. Candida albicans
• C. Microsporum audouii
• D. Trichophyton rubrum

Answer: (B)

Candida albicans is the organism responsible. It is an opportunistic yeast that normally colonizes mucosal surfaces and skin but can overgrow when the immune system is compromised or the normal flora is disrupted, leading to mucocutaneous infections such as oral thrush and cutaneous candidiasis. Malassezia furfur causes pityriasis versicolor, not candidiasis. Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton rubrum are dermatophytes that cause ringworm-type infections, not Candida infections. Candida albicans can switch between yeast and filamentous forms, aiding tissue invasion and persistence in immunocompromised hosts.

Candida albicans is the organism responsible. It is an opportunistic yeast that normally colonizes mucosal surfaces and skin but can overgrow when the immune system is compromised or the normal flora is disrupted, leading to mucocutaneous infections such as oral thrush and cutaneous candidiasis. Malassezia furfur causes pityriasis versicolor, not candidiasis. Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton rubrum are dermatophytes that cause ringworm-type infections, not Candida infections. Candida albicans can switch between yeast and filamentous forms, aiding tissue invasion and persistence in immunocompromised hosts.