TEM of macrophage eating Clostridium sp. bacteria

Credit: DR GOPAL MURTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Caption: Phagocytosis of Clostridium bacteria. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through two Clostridium sp. bacteria (dark circles) which have been engulfed by a macrophage (grey). These bacteria are commonly found in wound infections, and are a major cause of gas gangrene (tissue death through infection). The macrophage (grey, granular) has extended its body towards and around the bacteria, capturing and engulfing them in a process called phagocytosis. Macrophages are part of the immune system which keeps the body free of invading organisms. These bacteria will be chemically destroyed by enzymes. Magnification: x11,400 at 6x7cm size. Magnification: x37,500 at 8x10" size.

Release details: Model release not required. Property release not required.

Keywords: anatomy, bacteria, bacteria attacked, cells, clostridium sp., defence, eating clostridium, gangrene, human body, immune, immune response, immunology, macrophage, macrophage digests, phagocytosis, system

Licence fees: A licence fee will be charged for any media (low or high resolution) used in your project.