<em>Leptospira interrogansis</em> b/w <em>Leptospira interrogansis</em>

Leptospira interrogansis

A spiral-shaped bacterium which causes leptospirosis (also known as Weil's disease). Leptospirosis is transmitted via direct contact with the body fluid of an infected animal or by exposure to soil or fresh water contaminated with the urine from an infected animal. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, conjunctivitis and muscular pains. Kidney failure may also occur in severe cases.

Observing microbes

The desmid Micrasterias

Algae

Algae can be observed using unstained wet mounts. The following website gives an overview of some of the commonly found freshwater algae.

Petri dish culture of the bacterium Rhizobium leguminosarum

Bacteria

Observing bacteria in a Petri dish.

The mould Penicillium chrysogenum culture growing on agar

Fungi

Observing fungi in a Petri dish.

Vorticella are ciliate protozoa

Protozoa

Protozoa can be observed using unstained wet mounts. The following website gives an overview of some of the commonly found freshwater protozoa.

Resources

SGM produces a wide range of microbiology teaching resources for all age groups click here to find out more.