A patient with a history of HIV presents with oral thrush and esophageal pain. What is the most likely causative organism?

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Q: A patient with a history of HIV presents with oral thrush and esophageal pain. What is the most likely causative organism?

Solution: Oral thrush in an immunocompromised patient is most commonly caused by Candida albicans.

Steps: 5

Step 1: Identify the patient's condition - The patient has HIV, which weakens the immune system.
Step 2: Recognize the symptoms - The patient has oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth) and esophageal pain.
Step 3: Understand the common causes - In immunocompromised patients, oral thrush is often caused by a specific fungus.
Step 4: Identify the organism - The most common organism that causes oral thrush in these patients is Candida albicans.
Step 5: Conclude - Therefore, the most likely causative organism for this patient's oral thrush is Candida albicans.