Fig 6. Isolation of Mtb from a TB patient.

SEM image of patient sample impacted on the lower plate of the PM10 impactor. The dimensions and morphology of the rod-shaped structure (denoted by *) are consistent with the presence of Mtb bacilli in the untreated TB patient. There is also evidence of multiple “splats” of unknown identity (one example is denoted by **) which might comprise organic matter derived from patient lung or respiratory tract. Note the “halo” structures (dark shadows) surrounding each particle.