Question:
A fungus that causes infection in immunocompetent individuals is:
A fungus that causes infection in immunocompetent individuals is:
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Which fungus is a normal commensal that causes thrush in healthy people?
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Aspergillus
- Penicillium
- Cryptococcus
- Candida
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The question asks which fungus can cause disease in a person with a normal, intact immune system, as opposed to being a purely opportunistic pathogen.
Step 2: Aspergillus typically causes invasive disease in immunocompromised hosts (neutropenia, transplant), behaving largely as an opportunist.
Step 3: Penicillium (now Talaromyces marneffei) causes systemic infection chiefly in immunocompromised hosts, especially advanced HIV.
Step 4: Cryptococcus neoformans classically causes meningitis in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with AIDS.
Step 5: Candida is a normal commensal of the skin, mouth, gut and vagina. It readily causes superficial infections such as oral thrush, diaper dermatitis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in otherwise healthy, immunocompetent people.
Conclusion: Candida commonly infects immunocompetent individuals, so the printed key (D) is correct.
Step 2: Aspergillus typically causes invasive disease in immunocompromised hosts (neutropenia, transplant), behaving largely as an opportunist.
Step 3: Penicillium (now Talaromyces marneffei) causes systemic infection chiefly in immunocompromised hosts, especially advanced HIV.
Step 4: Cryptococcus neoformans classically causes meningitis in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with AIDS.
Step 5: Candida is a normal commensal of the skin, mouth, gut and vagina. It readily causes superficial infections such as oral thrush, diaper dermatitis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in otherwise healthy, immunocompetent people.
Conclusion: Candida commonly infects immunocompetent individuals, so the printed key (D) is correct.
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