Q: Candidiasis is a:
(A). Virus
(B). Fungus
(C). Bacteria
- Candidiasis is caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
- Herpes labialis is caused by a group of viruses called human herpes viruses.
- Hand-foot-mouth disease is caused by the Coxsackie virus.
- Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
Since we are talking about microorganisms, let’s review them a little more detailed to get ready for the Dental Hygiene Board Exams (NBDHE, NHDCE, WREB, CDCA, CSCE).
Fungus (plural fungi) can be mold, mushrooms, yeasts, etc. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms (contain membrane-bound organelles and clearly defined nuclei). Fungi are everywhere in very large numbers – the soil, air, human body, etc. They reproduce by forming vast quantities or spores.
Answer: (B). Fungus
Learn more for the dental hygiene boards
Let’s look at the rest of the microorganisms.
- Bacteria are the simplest of creatures considered to be alive. Bacteria lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other internal structures and are therefore ranked among the unicellular life forms called prokaryotes. Most prokaryotes reproduce via binary fission – a process in which the cell grows in volume until it divides in half to yield two identical daughter cells.
- A virus is a small microorganism that requires a host (animals, plants, or bacteria) to inject its RNA or DNA to reproduce. Viruses are not plants, animals, or prokaryote bacteria, and they are placed in their own kingdom.
- Protozoa are a group of mostly motile unicellular eukaryotic organisms.
This is a lot of information to remember for the Dental Hygiene Board Exams, so start making notes whenever you see a condition. Pay attention to which “little guy” (microorganism) triggered it. Dental Hygiene School is NO joke, and the National Dental Hygiene Board Exams are especially demanding. So keep trying! Do you want to see what the National Boards review FULL package includes? 17 chapters + 2,000 rotating questions + mock exam.
Related blog on Microbiology: Bacteria in caries formation
(Disclaimer: StudentRDH is NOT affiliated with the NBDHE, NDHCE, CSCE, CDCA, WREB.)
