Cryptococcus neoformans. Coloured Scanning Elect- ron Micrograph (SEM) of Cryptococcus neoformans fungi cells, the cause of cryptococcosis. Several spherical cells are seen covered by a capsule (green) that protects the cell. This is a yeast- like organism. Cryptococcosis is a rare infection and affects people with a deficient immune system such as in AIDS. It is caused by inhaling the fungus found in soil contaminated by pigeon droppings. Infection may cause meningitis or granular growths in the lungs, skin or elsewhere. Magnification: x4800 at 6x4.5cm size.