A whitish covering on an infant's tongue that cannot be wiped away is consistent with:

Rationale: A. Herpes simplex in infants typically presents with painful vesicles and sometimes systemic symptoms, not a persistent whitish coating. B. Oral candidiasis (thrush) presents as a white, curd-like coating on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks that cannot be wiped away. It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida species and is common in young infants. C. A normal coating in infants (milk residue) is easily wiped away and does not persist. D. Poor oral care may cause debris or plaque later in infancy but is not the cause of persistent white plaques in young infants.