Images Dated 23rd August 1999

Coloured TEM of Enterococcus sp. bacteria

Enterococcus sp. bacteria. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through Enterococcus sp. bacteria. These were formerly grouped with the Streptococcus sp. bacteria. These are oval-shaped cocci, seen here forming two paired groups. They are a normal inhabitant of human and animal intestines, but they may become pathogenic. They are known to cause bacterial endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart) after surgery, and may infect the urinary tract, wounds and skin ulcers. They are resilient bacteria, and can survive temperatures from 10 to 60 degrees Celsius. Magnification unknown

© DR LINDA STANNARD, UCT/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY