Researchers call it a potential "game-changer"
As well as genital and respiratory papillomatosis, the papilloma virus is involved in certain cancers of the cervix.
The herpes simplex virus is a member of the herpesviridae family.
Pneumococcus or streptococcus pneumoniae is a common bacteria found in the mucosa of the mouth and pharynx. Under certain conditions it can become the causative agent of pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia, and otitis.
Picornavirus and RNA virus, including rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, are responsible for common colds and gastroenteritis.
The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that over time causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The reovirus is responsible for respiratory and gastric infections.
A bat-borne virus, Nipah virus infection causes a disease with a high mortality rate.
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver.
The coronaviruses owe their name to the crown-like projections, visible under microscope, that encircle the capsid. Coronaviruses are responsible for respiratory ailments and gastroenteritis, including SARS and COVID-19.
H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes a highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or "bird flu"). Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to transmit the infection from person to person.
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infectious person.
Poxviruses exist throughout the world and cause disease in humans and many other types of animals. Diseases associated with this family include smallpox and pustular dermatosis.
The cause of measles, humans are the natural hosts of the measles morbillivirus; no animal reservoirs are known to exist.
Yersinia pestis is the bacteria responsible for the plague, which takes three main forms: pneumonic, septicemic, and bubonic.
Salmonella bacteria is responsible for salmonella, the most frequently reported cause of food-related illness. It can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, and pain and cramping in your belly.
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that spreads from animals to people. Most commonly, people are infected by eating raw or unpasteurized dairy products. It's also known as Malta fever.
A foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems, Listeria is most commonly caused by eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products.
The Marburg virus is a hemorrhagic fever virus, which causes convulsions and bleeding of mucous membranes, skin, and organs. It has a fatality rate of 90%.
The Hantavirus describes several types of viruses. The cause of severe respiratory distress, symptoms include lung disease, fever, and kidney failure.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted by rodents.
The Machupo virus causes Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, an infectious disease originating in the South American country of Bolivia.
The dengue virus is responsible for dengue fever, a mosquito-borne tropical disease the symptoms of which include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium in the same family as those that cause cholera.
Zika virus is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. It is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes.
This bacterium secretes a toxin, Botox, which inhibits the neurons responsible for muscle contraction.
Anthrax spores can live for many years, enabling the bacteria to survive in a dormant state.
The Nneisseria meningitidis bacterium is responsible for meningococcal meningitis, a serious infection characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord.
See also: Why autoimmune diseases are on the rise
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a species of pathogenic bacteria in the family Mycobacteriaceae. It is the causative agent of tuberculosis.
Click through the following gallery and take a microscopic look at these killers in color.
Viruses and bacteria: the deadly yet fascinating microorganisms
Caught under the microscope
HEALTH Infection
Far too small to be seen by the human eye, viruses and bacteria are identified by being placed under the microscope by scientists who use false color to enhance the detail of these infectious agents and single-cell organisms. The resulting images appear as miniature works of vibrant abstract art that could grace the walls of any contemporary gallery. Except in real life you wouldn't want to be anywhere near this harmful subject matter!
Click through the following gallery and take a microscopic look at these killers in color.