Mycology: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Microbiology · Mycology

Sample item

What organism commonly causes oral thrush?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Candida albicans

Candida albicans can overgrow on oral mucosa when host defenses or normal flora are altered, producing removable white plaques and soreness.

Option by option

  • A. Aspergillus fumigatus

    Aspergillus more often causes allergic or invasive pulmonary disease.

  • B. Cryptococcus neoformans

    Cryptococcus can cause meningitis in immunocompromised hosts.

  • C. Candida albicans (correct)

    Correct: Candida albicans commonly causes oral thrush.

  • D. Dermatophyte

    Dermatophytes infect keratinized skin, hair, and nails.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is C, Candida albicans. Candida albicans can overgrow on oral mucosa when host defenses or normal flora are altered, producing removable white plaques and soreness.

Why is "Aspergillus fumigatus" not the answer?

Aspergillus more often causes allergic or invasive pulmonary disease.

Why is "Cryptococcus neoformans" not the answer?

Cryptococcus can cause meningitis in immunocompromised hosts.

Why is "Dermatophyte" not the answer?

Dermatophytes infect keratinized skin, hair, and nails.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mycology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: Candida albicans commonly causes oral thrush.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Mycology?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.