Heitman Spores (IMAGE)

Duke University

Heitman Spores

Caption

A false color scanning electron micrograph shows infectious spores of Cryptococcus fungi (purple) decorating the surface of the specialized structure where they are produced. These spores are readily dislodged by air currents, aerosolized, and then inhaled. They are small enough to penetrate deeply into the airways to lodge in the alveoli to cause an initial pulmonary infection that then spreads via the bloodstream to infect the brain. These infectious spores are produced by sexual reproduction, including the process of unisexual reproduction.

Credit

Edmond Byrnes and Joseph Heitman, Duke University

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