Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus commonly present on human skin & in the upper respiratory, alimentary & female genital tracts. It is normally harmless, but it can become pathogenic when the body's resistance is weakened through malnutrition or general debility, diabetes or antibiotic treatment. It can then cause a number of diseases including thrush, an infection of the mouth & vagina, & vulvo-vaginitis, a white discharge from the vagina. The fungus produces hyphae (strands) from which pseudohyphae branch, carrying the blastospores visible in this image. Magnification: x2,100 at 6x7cm size. x7250 at 8x10 inch size.