Pseudomonas lung infection, SEM (C021/7004) Tapestry

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (red) in the lung of a burns patient. This Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium is found in soil, water and as normal flora in the human intestine. However, it can cause serious wound, lung, skin and urinary tract infections, particularly in hospital patients. It produces extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), a sticky slime-like substance that enables it to grow in large masses (biofilms) and resist antibacterial agents such as antibiotics. Magnification: x5000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.