What clinical finding might suggest a fungal infection in a patient using penicillin?

What clinical finding might suggest a fungal infection in a patient using penicillin?

• A. White patches in the mouth
• B. Painful gums
• C. Red swollen cheeks
• D. Throat swelling

Answer: (A)

The presence of white patches in the mouth is a clinical finding that strongly suggests a fungal infection, particularly oral thrush, which is commonly caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Individuals using penicillin or other antibiotics may be at increased risk for such infections because antibiotics can disrupt the normal flora of the mouth and body. This disruption allows fungi to proliferate, leading to the development of white patches characteristic of thrush. The other clinical findings listed do not specifically point to a fungal infection. Painful gums could be associated with various dental conditions, including gingivitis or periodontal disease, and does not indicate a fungal cause. Red swollen cheeks may suggest an inflammatory process or infection, but again, it lacks specificity for a fungal infection. Throat swelling could arise from multiple issues, including viral infections, allergic reactions, or bacterial infections, but does not indicate a fungal infection specifically. Thus, the presence of white patches in the mouth is the most direct indicator of a fungal infection in the context of penicillin use.

The presence of white patches in the mouth is a clinical finding that strongly suggests a fungal infection, particularly oral thrush, which is commonly caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Individuals using penicillin or other antibiotics may be at increased risk for such infections because antibiotics can disrupt the normal flora of the mouth and body. This disruption allows fungi to proliferate, leading to the development of white patches characteristic of thrush.

The other clinical findings listed do not specifically point to a fungal infection. Painful gums could be associated with various dental conditions, including gingivitis or periodontal disease, and does not indicate a fungal cause. Red swollen cheeks may suggest an inflammatory process or infection, but again, it lacks specificity for a fungal infection. Throat swelling could arise from multiple issues, including viral infections, allergic reactions, or bacterial infections, but does not indicate a fungal infection specifically. Thus, the presence of white patches in the mouth is the most direct indicator of a fungal infection in the context of penicillin use.