Discover the microscopic world of Staph with our cuddly plush! Staphylococcus aureus may be tiny, but its impact can be significant.
All About Staph (Staphylococcus Aureus) Facts: There are over 30 different kinds of staph bacteria, but staphylococcus aureus is the most common. (Staph, or staphyle, means “bunch of grapes” in Greek, which is more or less what staph looks like under the microscope.)
Common Infections: It can often be found living harmlessly on human skin. But occasionally, staph will wander into a hair follicle or slip into a crack in your skin causing a slew of common infections ranging from boils to sties, to rashes. Red sores and pus are typical of affected areas.
Severity: Because these types of infections are normally localized and minor, washing with antibacterial ointment is usually sufficient treatment. But if staph penetrates further into your body, or gets into your bloodstream, it can cause serious ailments such as “food poisoning”, pneumonia, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), and even septicemia.
Name: Staphylococcus comes from the Greek: staphyle = bunch of grapes, and kokkos = berry, for its appearance under a microscope. Aureus comes from the Latin: aurum = gold, because of the color of the colonies.
Symptoms: It can cause boils, food poisoning, or toxic shock syndrome. Skin infections are typically shown as a pus-filled sore. Internally, it can cause fever and low blood pressure. If infections progress, there are dangerous and potentially fatal effects.
Cure: Different antibiotics depending on the type of Staph. Food poisoning typically clears on its own.
Big Outbreaks: May 1990: Staph food poisoning at Rhode Island elementary schools. June 2015: 86 children infected by Staph in daycare food in Montgomery, AL. July 2012: >60 people at a homeless shelter in Denver got food poisoning from Staph.
Fascinating Facts: Found naturally on the nose and skin of about 1/3 of healthy people. Staph can live through temperature, humidity, and salt extremes.
Materials: Crafted from premium materials and filled with soft polyester fiber, our Staph (Staphylococcus Aureus) GIANTmicrobe plush is both huggable and educational.
Packaging: Each plush microbe comes with a printed card featuring engaging, educational, and captivating facts about Staph, enhancing the learning experience for enthusiasts of all ages.
Safety: Our products meet U.S. and European safety standards, ensuring they are suitable for ages 3 and up.
Sizes: GIANTmicrobes are meticulously crafted to be one million times larger than the actual microbes, cells, organisms, and critters they represent!
- Gigantic (GG): 16-24"
- XL (XL): 10-15"
- Original (PD): 5-8"
- Keychain (KC): 2-4" with clip