False colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Clostridium perfringens (formerly C. welchii),the anaerobic,Gram-positive,rod-like bacteria that is the causative agent of gas gangrene. C. perfringens is present in soil and the intestines of man. Infection occurs from soil in accidental wounds & from the gut via the skin during surgery through contact with damaged,devitalized tissue. The bacteria multiply and release an exotoxin which digests surrounding muscle and other tissues. Gas & other waste substances act to further reduce blood supply; unless promptly treated with antibiotics,gas gangrene spreads & may be fatal. Magnification: X 4400 at 35mm size | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / CNRI |
Taille de l’image : | 3543 px × 2563 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |