![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66630b00c9365.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d62536f608.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d643ee2c30.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d5b348a06d.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d7405e011b.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d7c09e3bc4.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d5a6b6736a.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d66266d4ca.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d76c1491de.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d71cc639bb.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d5bfc3e166.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d5d380ab4d.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d5e7096da2.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d5f7dd1a89.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d61ab87063.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d6346728b8.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d6969c7bf8.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d6a17b6fee.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d75c441638.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d6c7839a39.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d6d29de855.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d7029daed4.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d70fad69e5.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d6e93b6958.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d72b579cea.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d75151ada7.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d77bba391e.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d605e7b6cd.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d784098be8.jpg)
![The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5f8d7959d7cae.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
Coronaviruses
- The coronaviruses owe their name to the crown-like projections, visible under microscope, that encircle the capsid. Coronaviruses are responsible for respiratory ailments and gastroenteritis, including SARS and COVID-19.
© Getty Images
1 / 30 Fotos
Hepatitis A virus
- The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infectious person.
© Getty Images
2 / 30 Fotos
Herpes simplex virus
- The herpes simplex virus is a member of the herpesviridae family.
© Getty Images
3 / 30 Fotos
Dengue virus
- The dengue virus is responsible for dengue fever, a mosquito-borne tropical disease the symptoms of which include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.
© Getty Images
4 / 30 Fotos
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a species of pathogenic bacteria in the family Mycobacteriaceae. It is the causative agent of tuberculosis.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Papilloma virus
- As well as genital and respiratory papillomatosis, the papilloma virus is involved in certain cancers of the cervix.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
Poxvirus
- Poxviruses exist throughout the world and cause disease in humans and many other types of animals. Diseases associated with this family include smallpox and pustular dermatosis.
© Getty Images
7 / 30 Fotos
Zika virus
- Zika virus is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. It is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
Lassa virus
- Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted by rodents.
© Getty Images
9 / 30 Fotos
Pneumococcus or streptococcus pneumoniae
- Pneumococcus or streptococcus pneumoniae is a common bacteria found in the mucosa of the mouth and pharynx. Under certain conditions it can become the causative agent of pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia, and otitis.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
Picornavirus
- Picornavirus and RNA virus, including rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, are responsible for common colds and gastroenteritis.
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
HIV virus
- The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that over time causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
© Getty Images
12 / 30 Fotos
Reovirus
- The reovirus is responsible for respiratory and gastric infections.
© Getty Images
13 / 30 Fotos
Hepatitis B virus
- Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
H5N1 influenza virus (avian influenza)
- H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes a highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or "bird flu"). Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to transmit the infection from person to person.
© Getty Images
15 / 30 Fotos
Measles morbillivirus
- The cause of measles, humans are the natural hosts of the measles morbillivirus; no animal reservoirs are known to exist.
© Getty Images
16 / 30 Fotos
Yersinia pestis bacteria
- Yersinia pestis is the bacteria responsible for the plague, which takes three main forms: pneumonic, septicemic, and bubonic.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
Vibrio vulnificus
- Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium in the same family as those that cause cholera.
© Getty Images
18 / 30 Fotos
Salmonella bacteria
- Salmonella bacteria is responsible for salmonella, the most frequently reported cause of food-related illness. It can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, and pain and cramping in your belly.
© Getty Images
19 / 30 Fotos
Brucella bacteria
- Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that spreads from animals to people. Most commonly, people are infected by eating raw or unpasteurized dairy products. It's also known as Malta fever.
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Marburg virus
- The Marburg virus is a hemorrhagic fever virus, which causes convulsions and bleeding of mucous membranes, skin, and organs. It has a fatality rate of 90%.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
Hantavirus
- The Hantavirus describes several types of viruses. The cause of severe respiratory distress, symptoms include lung disease, fever, and kidney failure.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Listeria bacteria
- A foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems, Listeria is most commonly caused by eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products.
© Getty Images
23 / 30 Fotos
Machupo virus
- The Machupo virus causes Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, an infectious disease originating in the South American country of Bolivia.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Rotavirus
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Clostridium botulinum
- This bacterium secretes a toxin, Botox, which inhibits the neurons responsible for muscle contraction.
© Getty Images
26 / 30 Fotos
Nipah virus
- A bat-borne virus, Nipah virus infection causes a disease with a high mortality rate.
© Getty Images
27 / 30 Fotos
Anthrax bacterium
- Anthrax spores can live for many years, enabling the bacteria to survive in a dormant state.
© Getty Images
28 / 30 Fotos
Neisseria meningitidis
- The Nneisseria meningitidis bacterium is responsible for meningococcal meningitis, a serious infection characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. See also: Deadly diseases you thought were gone... but aren't
© Getty Images
29 / 30 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
Coronaviruses
- The coronaviruses owe their name to the crown-like projections, visible under microscope, that encircle the capsid. Coronaviruses are responsible for respiratory ailments and gastroenteritis, including SARS and COVID-19.
© Getty Images
1 / 30 Fotos
Hepatitis A virus
- The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infectious person.
© Getty Images
2 / 30 Fotos
Herpes simplex virus
- The herpes simplex virus is a member of the herpesviridae family.
© Getty Images
3 / 30 Fotos
Dengue virus
- The dengue virus is responsible for dengue fever, a mosquito-borne tropical disease the symptoms of which include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.
© Getty Images
4 / 30 Fotos
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a species of pathogenic bacteria in the family Mycobacteriaceae. It is the causative agent of tuberculosis.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Papilloma virus
- As well as genital and respiratory papillomatosis, the papilloma virus is involved in certain cancers of the cervix.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
Poxvirus
- Poxviruses exist throughout the world and cause disease in humans and many other types of animals. Diseases associated with this family include smallpox and pustular dermatosis.
© Getty Images
7 / 30 Fotos
Zika virus
- Zika virus is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. It is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
Lassa virus
- Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted by rodents.
© Getty Images
9 / 30 Fotos
Pneumococcus or streptococcus pneumoniae
- Pneumococcus or streptococcus pneumoniae is a common bacteria found in the mucosa of the mouth and pharynx. Under certain conditions it can become the causative agent of pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia, and otitis.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
Picornavirus
- Picornavirus and RNA virus, including rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, are responsible for common colds and gastroenteritis.
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
HIV virus
- The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that over time causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
© Getty Images
12 / 30 Fotos
Reovirus
- The reovirus is responsible for respiratory and gastric infections.
© Getty Images
13 / 30 Fotos
Hepatitis B virus
- Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
H5N1 influenza virus (avian influenza)
- H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes a highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or "bird flu"). Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to transmit the infection from person to person.
© Getty Images
15 / 30 Fotos
Measles morbillivirus
- The cause of measles, humans are the natural hosts of the measles morbillivirus; no animal reservoirs are known to exist.
© Getty Images
16 / 30 Fotos
Yersinia pestis bacteria
- Yersinia pestis is the bacteria responsible for the plague, which takes three main forms: pneumonic, septicemic, and bubonic.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
Vibrio vulnificus
- Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium in the same family as those that cause cholera.
© Getty Images
18 / 30 Fotos
Salmonella bacteria
- Salmonella bacteria is responsible for salmonella, the most frequently reported cause of food-related illness. It can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, and pain and cramping in your belly.
© Getty Images
19 / 30 Fotos
Brucella bacteria
- Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that spreads from animals to people. Most commonly, people are infected by eating raw or unpasteurized dairy products. It's also known as Malta fever.
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Marburg virus
- The Marburg virus is a hemorrhagic fever virus, which causes convulsions and bleeding of mucous membranes, skin, and organs. It has a fatality rate of 90%.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
Hantavirus
- The Hantavirus describes several types of viruses. The cause of severe respiratory distress, symptoms include lung disease, fever, and kidney failure.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Listeria bacteria
- A foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems, Listeria is most commonly caused by eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products.
© Getty Images
23 / 30 Fotos
Machupo virus
- The Machupo virus causes Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, an infectious disease originating in the South American country of Bolivia.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Rotavirus
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Clostridium botulinum
- This bacterium secretes a toxin, Botox, which inhibits the neurons responsible for muscle contraction.
© Getty Images
26 / 30 Fotos
Nipah virus
- A bat-borne virus, Nipah virus infection causes a disease with a high mortality rate.
© Getty Images
27 / 30 Fotos
Anthrax bacterium
- Anthrax spores can live for many years, enabling the bacteria to survive in a dormant state.
© Getty Images
28 / 30 Fotos
Neisseria meningitidis
- The Nneisseria meningitidis bacterium is responsible for meningococcal meningitis, a serious infection characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. See also: Deadly diseases you thought were gone... but aren't
© Getty Images
29 / 30 Fotos
The lethal beauty of viruses and bacteria
Caught under the microscope
© Getty Images
Far too small to be seen by the human eye, viruses and bacteria are identified by being placed under the microscope by scientists who use false color to enhance the detail of these infectious agents and single-cell organisms. The resulting images appear as miniature works of vibrant abstract art that could grace the walls of any contemporary gallery. Except in real life you wouldn't want to be anywhere near this harmful subject matter!
Click through the following gallery and take a microscopic look at these killers in color.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![The impact of environmental factors on your health](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fa27ce5774.jpg)
![Holistic health: what it is, and how it will change your life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a2495b4b5d2.jpg)
![The Nipah virus outbreak: should you be worried?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a25dfb64c17.jpg)
![Age-specific tips for better sleep](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a216e1b5386.jpg)
![Surprising foods you didn't know contain nicotine](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fc478b911f.jpg)
![Are liposomal supplements really better?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a6a9b3acea.jpg)
![Why hiking is uniquely beneficial for your body and brain](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669511f50f736.jpg)
![Should you practice tai chi? The benefits, and how to start](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663b3c5177490.jpg)
![All you need to know about agoraphobia and how to cope](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663ccb1cbfed9.jpg)
![What happens when you stop drinking alcohol?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fb1a81b527.jpg)
![15 seemingly harmless habits that can damage your brain](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fb0174fef7.jpg)
![The signs and symptoms of Long COVID](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66336dbd2ad23.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about multiple sclerosis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669939a625688.jpg)
![Gastritis: causes, symptoms, and treatment](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6662072f56cd4.jpg)
![Baby skin care: tips for your newborn](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e69064adcc.jpg)
![Listeria infection: what to know, and how to prevent it](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667e8a8722b65.jpg)
![Performance anxiety: what is it and how to conquer it](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6696b48acff1b.jpg)
![Easy daily habits for a faster metabolism](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a7b606e342.jpg)
![Can you reverse type 2 diabetes?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6697d31f58245.jpg)
![The most common infectious diseases in the US](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a0564b69b2.jpg)
![These vitamins can be dangerous to you](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66992ddf74ff0.jpg)
![Overpronation: what is it, and how can it be managed?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6694c950db13f.jpg)
![Early signs of young onset dementia](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66842a867d8bb.jpg)
![How endless scrolling through social media can make you sick (literally)](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_656865c160e4e.jpg)
![Unexpected areas you can get skin cancer](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6696507e3d7b6.jpg)
![Common overlooked signs of depression](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668fd4f3353f2.jpg)
![What you need to know about persistent sore throat](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668e524e64127.jpg)
![Eat these foods if you want to lower your blood pressure](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668fba0b5cb65.jpg)
![These are the worst things you could do for your eyes](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669003d10c810.jpg)
![Tight jaw: causes and tips to relieve tension](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668d5df9d6bad.jpg)
![Earthing: a natural way to ground your body](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668d78cce010f.jpg)
![Your all-inclusive guide to a balanced diet](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668bfc0033045.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6687baabd16b1.jpg)
![Are eating disorders on the rise with young men and boys?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668d15e9db26d.jpg)
![Sleep troubles? You may have a dyssomnia](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668bb36159e36.jpg)
![What happens to your body if you only do cardio?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668bb29449a9b.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
LIFESTYLE Nature
-
3
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
-
4
TRAVEL Staycation
Be a tourist in your own city and fall in love all over again
-
5
HEALTH Covid-19
-
6
HEALTH Cognitive function
-
7
LIFESTYLE Bizarre
You won't believe these bizarre prison rules and regulations
-
8
HEALTH Bad habits
-
9
TRAVEL Destinations
-
10
TRAVEL Architecture