Color enhanced transmission electron micrograph of negatively stained cells of Moraxella catarrhalls (formerly Branhamella and Neisseria) extrude tubular structures from the cell surface (endotoxins) due to leaky nature of this genus. Endotoxins, which can cause serious health problems, are released into the surrounding environment during active cell growth, breakdown (lysis), or when bacterial cells are engulfed by immune cells. Moraxella catarrhalis are a species of gram-negative bacteria, found commonly in the nose and throat. They have been known to produce lower respiratory tract infections. TEM Magnification =X20,000 at 70mm.