Which organism is the causative agent of oral and vaginal thrush?

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. Escherichia coli
• C. Candida albicans
• D. Aspergillus niger

Answer: (C)

Candida albicans is the organism that causes oral and vaginal thrush. It’s a yeast (fungus) that normally lives on mucosal surfaces, but when the balance of microbes is disrupted or the immune system is weakened, it can overgrow and produce the characteristic candidal infections. The other organisms listed are bacteria or non-candidal molds and do not cause thrush. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that causes skin and other infections, Escherichia coli is a gut bacterium, and Aspergillus niger is a mold associated with different infections.