Candida species other than C. glabrata are generally moderately sized yeasts, ranging in size from 5 - 7 µm, that may produce pseudohyphae and/or hyaline septate hyphae, depending on the species. Deep infections can produce true hyphae, but the detection of budding yeast help aid in the diagnosis of candida. Candida glabrata are smaller, ranging from 2 - 4 µm in diameter, and cannot produce hyphae or pseudohyphae.
C. glabrata can be morphologically difficult to distinguish from Histoplasma capsulatum. The presence of a predominately neutrophilic inflammatory response to C. glabrata is helpful in distinguishing infection with this organism from H. capsulatum; a hallmark of infections with the latter is a granulomatous response, comprised largely of macrophages. Candida spp. other than C. glabrata cannot be distinguished from one another morphologically.