Adenovirus, SEM

Human adenovirus strain J.J. subtype D/10 (HAdV-10). Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a human alveolar basal epithelial cell (A549 cell line) infected with HAdV-10. The image shows a cell that has been infected with HAdV-10 for 3 days and is in the process of undergoing lysis releasing intracellular newly synthesised viral particles through pores in the plasma membrane (100nm purple particles). Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can cause mild to severe infection throughout the body. Adenovirus infections most commonly affect the respiratory system, eyes, and the gastrointestinal tract. These infections can cause symptoms similar to the common cold and flu or pneumonia, conjunctivitis, or acute gastroenteritis. Most adenovirus infections are mild. Magnification: x 10000 when printed 10 centimetres wide. Specimen courtesy of Virology Research Services Ltd (Scott Lawrence)., by STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY