AIDS virus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of a T-lymphocyte white blood cell (brown) infected with HIV viruses (green). HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the cause of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This T-lymphocyte is from a culture cell line known as H9. The infected T-cell has a lumpy appearance with irregular surface protrusions. Small spherical virus particles (green) seen on the surface are budding away from the cell membrane. This viral infection causes death of T-lymphocyte immune cells and is the main reason for the destruction of the immune system in AIDS. Magnification: x13,000 at 6x7cm size. x40,000 at 10x8 & 11,000 at 6x4.5cm size."