Microscopic examination of a gram-stained scrape from a patient's tongue revealed oval, round, elongated chains of dark-violet gemmating cells. What disease can be caused by this causative agent?

Answer options

1. Streptococcic infection
2. Staphylococcic infection
3. Candidiasis
4. Diphtheria
5. Actinomycosis

Explanation

There are two types of fungi: yeasts and molds. Yeasts grow as single cells that reproduce by asexual budding (gemmating). Molds grow as long filaments (hyphae) and form a mat (mycelium). Candida albicans is an oval yeast with a single bud. It is part of the normal flora of the mouth (oral cavity), mucous membranes of the upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, and female genital tracts.