Clostridium bacteria

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Clostridium bacteria

Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, the cause of botulism food poisoning. The bacterium seen in longitudinal section at centre is in the process of spore formation; the spore is the circular region at right. Spores enable C. botulinum to survive in unfavourable conditions. The bacterium lives in soil, untreated water and badly preserved canned foods, notably meat & fish. It produces a potent exotoxin which attacks the central nervous system; death can result from heart and lung failure due to malfunctions in the cardiac and respiratory centres of the brain. Magnification: x17, 000 at 6x7cm size. x66, 000 at 8x10ins

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6285554

© A. DOWSETT, HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Bacteria Bacterial Bacteriology Bacterium Botulism Clostridium Clostridium Botulinum Electron Micrograph Food Poisoning Human Disease Micro Organisms Microbe Microbes Micrograph Pathogenic Spore Transmission Electron Type Micro Biology

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate world of Clostridium bacteria, specifically Clostridium botulinum, which is notorious for causing botulism food poisoning. The coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) reveals the bacterium in a longitudinal section at the center, caught in the fascinating process of spore formation. These spores are crucial for C. botulinum's survival in unfavorable conditions. Found commonly in soil, untreated water, and poorly preserved canned foods like meat and fish, this pathogenic bacterium poses a significant threat to human health. It produces an incredibly potent exotoxin that targets and attacks the central nervous system with devastating consequences. In fact, malfunctions within the cardiac and respiratory centers of the brain can lead to heart and lung failure, ultimately resulting in death. At a magnification of x17,000 for a 6x7cm size or x66,000 for an 8x10ins print, this image offers us an up-close look into a microscopic world teeming with life-threatening microbes. As we marvel at its intricacy and beauty from afar through Science Photo Library's lens, it serves as a stark reminder of nature's delicate balance between survival and danger.

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