Colour enhanced transmission electron micrograph of an ultra-thin section of Nocardia asteroides,133 cells. Large,branching cells shown with metachromatic granules. N. asteroides are a species of gram-positive,aerobic bacteria,pathogenic in humans. Nocardiosis may occur as a pulmonary infection that spreads,resulting in abscesses in the skin,brain,or other areas. May also give rise to tumours that occur most frequently in the lower extremities,esp. the foot,in which case it is called maduromycosis or Madura food. TEM Magnification x9,700 at 70mm |