Foot & mouth disease virus Science Image

Ref: fmd1a



Foot & mouth disease virus. Coloured Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) of a group of viruses that cause foot and mouth disease. The disease occurs in cattle, horses, and more rarely humans. The small viruses (22 nanometres in diameter) belong to the Rhinovirus genus of viruses (which includes many common cold viruses affecting humans). It is an RNA virus, with a protein coat of icosahedral symmetry. Foot and mouth disease in humans leads to fever, headache, and a burning sensation in the mouth. Sores develop on the lips, tongue, palms of the hand and soles of the feet. Recovery occurs in weeks. Magnification: x40,000 at 6x4.5cm size.