False-colour scanning electron micrograph of the surface of the small intestine, showing infection with Cryptosporidium parvum, which causes severe di

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False-colour scanning electron micrograph of the surface of the small intestine, showing infection with Cryptosporidium parvum, which causes severe diarrhoea & is a major killer of AIDS victims. The photograph shows a very severe infection by the parasitic protozoan, resulting in the atrophy & fusion of the intestinal villi. The protozoa (green spheres) are incorporated in the intestinal cells, just under the cell membrane. Different sizes are different stages in the life cycle. Cryptosporosis is a common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients: it is the cause of death in about 10% of AIDS patients in the UK & up to 50% elsewhere. Magnification: x900 at size.

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Size: 5223px × 3938px
Photo credit: © MOREDUN ANIMAL HEALTH/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: acquired, aids, colouring, condition, cryptosporidiosis, cryptosporidium, deficiency, disease, disorder, healthcare, immune, jbu, medical, medicine, parasite, parvum, protozoan, sp., sporozoan, syndrome