Image of Salmonella

Description:

At a magnification of 20863X, this colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) revealed two Gram-negative bacilli, or rod-shaped Salmonella sp. bacteria. The genus Salmonella is a member of the taxonomic family, Enterobacteriaceae, and approximately 2000 serotypes of this genus are known to cause disease in human beings. See PHIL 10566 for a black and white version of this image.

What sort of germ is Salmonella?

Salmonella is actually a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in humans. They are microscopic living creatures that pass from the feces of people or animals to other people or other animals. There are many different kinds of Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis are the most common in the United States. Salmonella germs have been known to cause illness for over 100 years. They were discovered by an American scientist named Salmon, for whom they are named.
Created: 2008