Isn't a Picture Still Worth a Thousand Words?

Abstract

The transmission electron microscope is a valuable diagnostic and research tool that is presently underappreciated. In the area of human immunodeficiency virus research alone, it has provided critical information about viral pathogenesis and opportunistic infections and malignancies. However, because it has not always been used with care, the literature contains misinterpretations, especially as to what is a virus and what is actually a cell organelle, e.g., lysosome and Golgi vesicles. It is important to review the subject periodically to maintain its quality.