False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Corynebacterium diphtheria,the Gram-positive,non-motile bacteria responsible for diphtheria. Individual bacterium are club-shaped at one end (Corynebacterium = clubbed rod). Diphtheria is caused by a potent exotoxin released from the bacterium; infection occurs through direct contact or contaminated milk. Symptoms include sore throat & fever; a grey membrane forms across throat causing breathing difficulties. The exotoxin damages heart & nervous tissues; death may result from heart failure. Treatment involves giving an antitoxin,penicillin,& complete rest. Magnification: X 3,000 at 35mm size | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / CNRI |
Taille de l’image : | 5241 px × 3534 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |