This composite of clinical intraoral photographs illustrates various oral manifestations associated with HIV infection and immunocompromised states. (a) Displays median rhomboid glossitis, appearing as a depapillated, erythematous longitudinal band on the dorsal midline of the tongue. (b) Shows pseudomembranous candidiasis (thrush) characterized by a thick, confluent, creamy-white coating across the dorsal tongue surface. (c) Depicts oropharyngeal candidiasis and herpetic-like ulcerations on the soft palate and tonsillar pillars, with visible dental prosthetics. (d) Shows an irregular herpetic lesion on the hard palate presenting as grouped erosions and erythematous patches. (e) Exhibits a large, ulcerated, and necrotizing lesion on the hard palate consistent with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in an HIV-positive patient; the maxillary arch shows extensive dental rehabilitation, including a bridge and several crown restorations. These images serve as educational markers for opportunistic infections and malignancies that frequently act as early clinical indicators of systemic immunosuppression.

A compilation of five clinical intraoral photographs (A–E) illustrating various presentations of oral candidiasis. Images A and B demonstrate mild involvement, characterized by thin yellowish-white coatings on the dorsal tongue covering less than 50% of the surface area. Image C displays a more severe case of pseudomembranous candidiasis, with thick, confluent whitish-yellow plaques covering over 50% of the tongue's dorsal surface. Image D shows median rhomboid glossitis, appearing as a well-defined, erythematous, atrophic area along the midline of the tongue, where filiform papillae are absent, surrounded by light peripheral plaques. Image E depicts palatal involvement, showing a diffuse erythematous area with granular texture and small inflammatory lesions on the hard and soft palate. This series is used for the clinical classification of oral fungal infections, often seen in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, and demonstrates the spectrum from mild yeast colonization to severe acute thrush and atrophic mucosal changes.

This is an intraoral clinical photograph of a patient with oral candidiasis (thrush). An adherent, white, curd-like pseudomembrane extensively coats the tongue surface (dorsum and lateral margins) and is removable with gentle scraping, exposing erythematous, friable mucosa beneath. The tissue appears inflamed with mucosal glossitis and reduced turgor at the tongue base; the white plaques may extend to the buccal mucosa. In addition, the lips show areas of erosion and crusting consistent with traumatic or infectious mucosal damage that can accompany candidal infection or secondary bacterial superinfection. The image demonstrates characteristic features of pseudomembranous candidiasis: cottage-cheese-like plaques, positive scraping test, and mucosal erythema. Clinical significance: this presentation is typical in immunocompromised individuals, diabetics, antibiotic or inhaled corticosteroid users, the elderly, or patients with HIV/AIDS; suggests need for antifungal therapy (topical nystatin/clotrimazole or systemic fluconazole) and evaluation of underlying risk factors. Potential differential diagnoses include oral leukoplakia (non-scrapable white patch), erythematous candidiasis, aphthous ulcers, or herpes stomatitis; correlation with systemic symptoms and immune status is advised. This image is useful for educational illustration of thrush morphology, scraping test, and mucosal involvement in the oral cavity. Documented features support prompt clinical management and targeted laboratory evaluation as indicated for patient safety and care.

Two-panel clinical photograph displaying intraoral manifestations of erythematous oral candidiasis. Panel A shows the maxillary arch and palate, characterized by diffuse erythema and focal erosive areas across both the hard and soft palate mucosal surfaces. Panel B illustrates the lingual surface, demonstrating erythematous-atrophic glossitis. The dorsal tongue exhibits a central zone of depapillation and atrophy, resulting in a smooth, red appearance, contrasted with surrounding areas that show a brownish-tan discoloration and altered texture. These clinical features are characteristic of atrophic candidiasis in a patient with chronic symptoms. This image is an educational resource for dental and medical students to identify fungal infections of the oral cavity and distinguish between palatal erythema and atrophic glossitis.