Thrush. Light micrograph of a cervical smear showing fungal infection by Candida albicans, cause of the sexually-transmitted disease thrush (candidiasis). Fungal hyphae (purple strands) and spores (small purple dots) are seen. Large normal squamous cells (pink, blue) from the cervix are also seen. C. albicans is a yeast-like fungus found on the skin, and in the respiratory, alimentary and female genital tracts. Normally harmless, it can become pathogenic when the body's resistance is weakened. Cervical smear tests look for abnormalities in cells of the cervix, which might indicate the onset of cancer. Magnification: x1150 when printed 10cm wide.