Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a group of Cryptococcus neoformans. 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. The most common clinical form is meningoencephalitis. It is caused by inhaling the fungus found in soil that has been contaminated by pigeon droppings. Magnification: x1,000 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.