What is the appearance of oral plaques that can be scraped off, indicating a fungal infection?

The presence of oral plaques that can be scraped off suggests a fungal infection, specifically caused by Candida species, commonly known as oral thrush. These plaques are typically white or creamy in color and adhere to the mucosal surface of the mouth, tongue, and throat. When scraped, they may reveal a red, inflamed underlying tissue, which is characteristic of candidiasis.

Candida is an opportunistic organism that thrives in environments with a compromised immune system or disrupted microbiota, such as those seen in individuals with diabetes, HIV, or those using antibiotics. The ability to scrape off the plaques helps differentiate Candida infections from other oral conditions, as other pathogens do not typically present with this specific feature of removable white patches.

In contrast, Actinomyces, while it can contribute to oral infections, does not usually present as removable plaques. Bacterial vaginosis is a condition related to the imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, not the mouth. Herpes simplex virus infections can lead to lesions in the oral cavity but usually present as painful ulcers rather than plaques that can be easily scraped off.

Thus, the appearance of removable oral plaques strongly indicates a Candida infection.