Images Dated 15th January 1997

TEM of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria

E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria. Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria, cause of foodborne illness. Several cells are seen sectioned at different angles. This E.coli strain was responsible for the outbreak of food poisoning in Scotland in 1996, when over a dozen people died & hundreds were taken ill. It causes bloody diarrhoea and occasionally kidney failure, particularly in the elderly & very young. The strain originates from the intestines of some cattle and spreads to contaminate beef and milk. Pasteurisation of milk and thorough cooking of all meat helps to prevent it's transmission. Magnification: x100, 000 at 8x10 inch size

© DR KARI LOUNATMAA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY