Giant Microbes - Gangrene (Clostridium perfringens)

Although gangrene may sound like a hazard of jungle exploits and military campaigns, the gruesome decay and death of soft body tissue that characterizes the condition can happen to anyone anywhere.

There are two common types of gangrene: dry and wet. Dry gangrene occurs when blood flow is interrupted to part of the body. Affected areas dry out and eventually blacken as tissue is slowly mummified. Dry gangrene typically occurs in the fingers and toes, often in the elderly or in those living with diabetes. Wet gangrene occurs when infection accompanies the interrupted blood flow. Bacteria such as clostridium perfringens, which produce toxic gases that can bubble up under the skin, are often implicated.

Giantmicrobes are based on actual microbes, cells, organisms and other critters, only 1,000,000 times actual size! Each plush microbe includes a printed card with fun, educational and fascinating facts about the actual microbe or cell.