What organism likely causes white patches on the tongue of a healthy 2-month-old infant?

What organism likely causes white patches on the tongue of a healthy 2-month-old infant?

• A. Cryptococcus neoformans
• B. Candida albicans
• C. Aspergillus fumigatus
• D. None of these options

Answer: (B)

The presence of white patches on the tongue of a healthy 2-month-old infant is most commonly associated with Candida albicans. This organism is a type of yeast that can cause oral thrush, a common condition in infants. Oral thrush typically manifests as white lesions on the tongue and lining of the mouth, which can sometimes be wiped away, revealing a red and inflamed area beneath. Candida albicans is part of the normal flora in humans but can overgrow under certain conditions, such as in very young infants whose immune systems are still developing. The warm, moist environment of the mouth provides an ideal setting for this yeast to thrive. The other options listed do not manifest in the same way. Cryptococcus neoformans, for instance, is often associated with systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals and does not typically cause oral lesions like Candida does. Aspergillus fumigatus is generally linked to respiratory conditions rather than oral diseases and typically affects those with weakened immune systems. Therefore, the identification of Candida albicans is consistent with the symptoms described, making it the correct choice for this question.

The presence of white patches on the tongue of a healthy 2-month-old infant is most commonly associated with Candida albicans. This organism is a type of yeast that can cause oral thrush, a common condition in infants. Oral thrush typically manifests as white lesions on the tongue and lining of the mouth, which can sometimes be wiped away, revealing a red and inflamed area beneath.

Candida albicans is part of the normal flora in humans but can overgrow under certain conditions, such as in very young infants whose immune systems are still developing. The warm, moist environment of the mouth provides an ideal setting for this yeast to thrive.

The other options listed do not manifest in the same way. Cryptococcus neoformans, for instance, is often associated with systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals and does not typically cause oral lesions like Candida does. Aspergillus fumigatus is generally linked to respiratory conditions rather than oral diseases and typically affects those with weakened immune systems. Therefore, the identification of Candida albicans is consistent with the symptoms described, making it the correct choice for this question.