False-colour transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of Leishmania sp., a parasitic flagellate protozoan that causes the disease leishmaniasis in human

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False-colour transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of Leishmania sp., a parasitic flagellate protozoan that causes the disease leishmaniasis in humans. The parasite assumes a different form in each of its two hosts, humans & the sandfly, its insect carrier. This example, from human tissue, appears as a small rounded structure, with no protruding flagellum, and is known as a Leishman- Donovan body. Here, the flagellum (outlined in orange) appears retracted. In its sandfly host, it takes on an elongated, motile (flagellate) form. Human infection affects cells of the lymphatic system, spleen & bone marrow. Magnification: x10,600 at 6x7cm, x5,300 at 35mm size.

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Size: 4950px × 3373px
Photo credit: © CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, flagellate, invertebrate, invertebrates, leishmania, nature, protozoa, protozoan, sp., zoology