Rabbit kidney infected with Candida albicans. C. albicans is a single-celled fungus (yeast) that causes pathogenic yeast infections known as candidiasis, or thrush. It can infect the skin and mucous membranes, most often of the mouth and vagina. In severe cases C. albicans can enter the bloodstream (candidaemia) and spread throughout the body, causing death if left untreated. The light coloured lesions on the kidney represent colonial growths of C. albicans. Treatment options include a range of antifungal medications.