A patient with a history of HIV presents with oral thrush and esophageal pain. W
Practice Questions
Q1
A patient with a history of HIV presents with oral thrush and esophageal pain. What is the most likely causative organism?
Candida albicans
Aspergillus fumigatus
Cryptococcus neoformans
Histoplasma capsulatum
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A patient with a history of HIV presents with oral thrush and esophageal pain. What is the most likely causative organism?
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.
Oral Thrush in Immunocompromised Patients – Oral thrush, often seen in immunocompromised individuals, is primarily caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, particularly Candida albicans.
HIV and Opportunistic Infections – Patients with HIV are at increased risk for opportunistic infections due to their compromised immune system, making them susceptible to fungal infections like oral thrush.
