Select the false statement about cutaneous candidiasis:
a. The most common causative species is Candida albicans.
b. Candida albicans can be part of normal microbiota.
c. Usage of antibiotics can increase the chance of cutaneous candidiasis.
d. Changes in pH can permit overgrowth.
e. The causative agents are naturally found as mold filaments.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of cutaneous candidiasis, which is a fungal infection caused primarily by Candida species, especially Candida albicans.
2. Step 2: Review each statement carefully in the context of Candida biology and pathogenesis: (a) Candida albicans is indeed the most common causative species of cutaneous candidiasis.
3. Step 3: Recognize that Candida albicans is part of the normal human microbiota, especially on mucosal surfaces and skin, so statement (b) is true.
4. Step 4: Consider that antibiotic use can disrupt normal bacterial flora, allowing Candida to overgrow, making statement (c) true.
5. Step 5: Know that Candida species typically exist as yeast cells or pseudohyphae in the human body, not as mold filaments (true molds are multicellular with septate hyphae), so statement (e) is false.

Key Concepts

Candida albicans as a Common Causative Agent

Candida albicans is the most frequent species responsible for cutaneous candidiasis. It is a yeast that commonly inhabits human skin and mucous membranes, and under certain conditions, it can cause infection by overgrowing and invading tissues.

Normal Microbiota and Opportunistic Infection

Candida albicans is part of the normal human microbiota, especially on skin and mucosal surfaces. It usually exists harmlessly but can become pathogenic when the host's defenses are compromised or environmental conditions change, leading to opportunistic infections like cutaneous candidiasis.

Morphology of Candida Species

Candida species, including C. albicans, naturally exist as yeast cells, not mold filaments. However, they can form pseudohyphae or true hyphae under certain conditions, which are filamentous structures associated with tissue invasion and pathogenicity, but their natural state is unicellular yeast.