Certified Safety Professional Practice Exam

The most common manifestation of candidiasis in the oral cavity is characterized as thrush, which is a fungal infection typically caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, particularly Candida albicans. Thrush appears as creamy white lesions on the tongue and inner cheeks, and it can also spread to the roof of the mouth, gums, and tonsils. This condition often affects individuals with weakened immune systems, those using antibiotics, or individuals with diabetes, as these factors can disrupt the normal microbial balance in the mouth and facilitate the overgrowth of yeast.

In the context of other options, ringworm is a skin infection caused by a different type of fungus, while valley fever is a respiratory condition caused by Coccidioides fungi. Respiratory infections can be caused by various pathogens but are not specifically linked to candidiasis in the oral cavity. Thus, thrush stands out as the primary manifestation associated with oral candidiasis.