False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of individual microorganisms of Toxoplasma sp.,a genus of crescent-shaped sporozoans that parasitise cells in birds & mammals,& complete their life-cycle in a single host. N.B. The blue background is part of the microscope stub. Toxoplasma gondii infects sheep,cattle,dogs & man,sometimes provoking an acute illness,toxoplasmosis. Infection in man occurs through undercooked meat,contaminated soil,or by direct contact. Symptoms are usually mild,but severe infection of lymph nodes may occur. Severe cases are treated with sulphonamide drugs. Magnification: X 600 at 35mm size |