Scanning electron microscopy reveals the "everyday life" of bacteriophages

The photograph, which was taken in black and white and then colored for clarity, shows numerous particles of bacteriophage A25 attacking Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria (group A streptococcus), the causative agent of many human diseases, including scarlet fever, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis, erysipelas, osteomyelitis, sepsis, and others.

Serious complications associated with Streptococcus pyogenes infection include streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, acute rheumatic fever, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and necrotizing fasciitis.

Photo source:   SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY