Transmission electron micrograph of Neisseria meningitidis,a spherical bacterium which causes meningitis in humans. As here,the bacteria are typically seen in pairs,each one concave on the side facing its partner. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges,the membranes enclosing the brain and spinal cord. Infection by N. meningitidis is one of several causes. Symptoms include intense headache,fever,loss of appetite,intolerance of light & sound,muscle rigidity and,in severe cases,convulsions,vomiting & delirium leading to death. Bacterial meningitis is effect- ively treated with antibiotics or sulphonamides. Magnification: x52,000 at 8x10 inch size |