Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Cryptococcus neoformans yeast cell budding. This is a yeast-like fungus that reproduces by budding. An acidic mucopolysaccharide capsule completely encloses the fungus. It can cause the disease cryptococcosis; especially in immune deficient humans, such as in patients with HIV/AIDS. It is contracted by inhaling the fungus from soil that has been contaminated by pigeon droppings. The most common clinical form is meningoencephalitis. Magnification: x3,000 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.