Caption

Staphylococcus aureus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These Gram-positive spherical bacteria are often found in grape-like clusters (as seen here). S. aureus is extremely common in humans living harmlessly on the skin and inside the nose, throat and large intestine. If S. aureus multiplies inside blocked pores in the skin, it causes pus to build up forming an acne spot or a boil. Inside the body this bacteria may also cause abscesses and most types of suppurative infection. Treatment is with antibiotics if the infection is serious. Magnification: x9,600 at 6x7cm size.