Abscess, SEM

Abscess. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM).An Abscess is characterised by aggregates of inflammatory cells chiefly neutrophils. (seen here). Abscesses may occur in any kind of tissue but most frequently within the skin surface (where they may be superficial pustules known as boils or deep skin abscesses), in the lungs, brain, teeth, kidneys, and tonsils. Major complications may include spreading of the abscess material to adjacent or remote tissues, and extensive regional tissue death. Skin abscesses are common and have become more common in recent years. Risk factors include intravenous drug use, with rates reported as high as 65% among users. Red blood cells, tissue debris and possible bacteria are also present. Magnification: x2000 when printed 10 centimetres wide., by STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY