Thrush refers to which condition?

Thrush refers to which condition?

• A. A bacterial infection of the gums.
• B. A viral ulcer on the palate.
• C. A fungal infection on the tongue.
• D. A parasitic infestation of the mucosa.

Answer: (C)

Thrush is an oral fungal infection caused by Candida species, most often Candida albicans, that involves the mucous membranes of the mouth, including the tongue. This is why the best description is a fungal infection on the tongue—the hallmark signs are white, curd-like plaques on the tongue and other oral surfaces that can be scraped away to reveal red, irritated tissue. Candida is normally present in small amounts in the mouth, but overgrowth occurs with factors like recent antibiotic use, immunosuppression, diabetes, or denture wear. This distinguishes thrush from bacterial infections of the gums, viral ulcers on the palate, or parasitic infestations of mucosa.

Thrush is an oral fungal infection caused by Candida species, most often Candida albicans, that involves the mucous membranes of the mouth, including the tongue. This is why the best description is a fungal infection on the tongue—the hallmark signs are white, curd-like plaques on the tongue and other oral surfaces that can be scraped away to reveal red, irritated tissue. Candida is normally present in small amounts in the mouth, but overgrowth occurs with factors like recent antibiotic use, immunosuppression, diabetes, or denture wear. This distinguishes thrush from bacterial infections of the gums, viral ulcers on the palate, or parasitic infestations of mucosa.