ABSTRACT
Clostridium perfringens is an important member of the group of organisms called by the generic name Clostridium. They are sporing organisms which will grow only in the absence of oxygen; some species are more exacting in their requirements for reduced oxygen than others. Under the microscope the morphological appearance varies from the typical large rod-shaped bacilli with rounded or square ends (C. perfringens) to irregular forms including boat- and lemon-shaped organisms, swollen rods, and filaments. Mostly they are arranged singly, but some occur in pairs or in chains and bundles.
