E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria. Coloured transmission electron micrograph of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria, cause of foodborne illness. This E. coli strain was responsible for the outbreak of food poisoning in Scotland in 1996, when over a dozen people died & hundreds were taken ill. It causes bloody diarrhoea and occasionally kidney failure, particularly in the elderly & very young. The strain originates from the intestines of some cattle and spreads to contaminate beef and milk. Pasteurisation of milk and thorough cooking of all meat helps to prevent its transmission. Magnification: x4, 400 at 6x4.5cm size.