Which of the following conditions is most common in immunocompromised patients?

Candida esophagitis is a condition caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, in the esophagus. This fungal infection is notably common in immunocompromised patients due to their weakened immune systems, which are less capable of controlling yeast and fungal infections. Individuals who are immunocompromised, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk for opportunistic infections like Candida esophagitis.

In these patients, the normal flora is disrupted, and the ability to fend off infections is diminished, allowing Candida to proliferate and cause significant symptoms, including pain during swallowing and difficulty eating. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through endoscopy where white patches can be observed, and it can also be diagnosed by clinical symptoms alone in a suitable context.

While esophageal cancer, pulmonary embolism, and peptic ulcers can occur in immunocompromised patients, they are not as directly linked to the state of immunosuppression as Candida esophagitis is. Esophageal cancer may occur independently of immune status, and pulmonary embolism is related to thromboembolic risk factors rather than directly to immunity. Peptic ulcers can arise from various causes including Helic