A patient diagnosed with thrush; microscopic examination would show which finding?

• A. Budding yeasts, pseudohyphae
• B. Cocci
• C. Spores
• D. Rods, spores, cocci

Answer: (A)

Oral thrush is caused by Candida species. On microscopic examination of a mouth specimen, you would see budding yeast cells along with pseudohyphae. Budding yeast reflects how Candida reproduces, with new daughter cells forming as small buds on the mother cell. Pseudohyphae are chains of elongated yeast cells that remain attached, creating a filament-like appearance that is characteristic of Candida in mucosal infections. This combination distinguishes Candida from other organisms, such as cocci (spherical bacteria) or rods, or fungi that produce spores, which are not the typical presentation of thrush. So the finding you’d expect is budding yeasts with pseudohyphae.