Polio viruses. Coloured Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) of polio viruses, the causative agent of poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis). Although

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Polio viruses. Coloured Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) of polio viruses, the causative agent of poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis). Although rounded in shape, each virus has a cubic symmetry. They are RNA picornaviruses. RNA genetic material occurs in the core of each virus (orange) surrounded by a protein coat (green). There are three types of polio viruses, type 1 being the cause of most polio epidemics. Infection occurs through the mouth. Usually only a mild illness results; but in more serious cases the virus may attack the nervous system causing paralysis or even death. Polio vaccines are available. Magnification: x80,000 at 6x7cm size.

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Size: 2702px × 3295px
Photo credit: © EYE OF SCIENCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: causing, picornavirus, polio, poliomyelitis, rna, virus