Final answer:
Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis involves persistent inflammation and epithelial hyperplasia due to the immune response to Candida albicans leading to chronic infection and epithelial proliferation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pathogenesis of Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis (CHC) primarily involves persistent inflammation and epithelial hyperplasia. When Candida albicans infects the mucosal membranes, its adhesins allow for attachment to the epithelial cells and secretion of proteases aids in tissue invasion. The presence of proteases degrades keratin, enabling the fungus to penetrate deeper into the host tissues. This invasive process often provokes an immune response that leads to inflammation. Inflammatory cells infiltrate the tissue, and with the persistence of the fungal infection, a chronic inflammatory state is established. This may cause the epithelium to proliferate, resulting in hyperplasia, which is a characteristic feature of CHC. Unlike options 'a and 'c', CHC does not typically involve rapid invasion of blood vessels or fibrous encapsulation. Option 'd', the absence of an immune response, is also incorrect as immunosuppression would allow uncontrolled growth of the fungus, but in CHC, an immune response is present, though it may not be fully effective in eradicating the fungus.