Bacillus cereus: Beyond Gastroenteritis

Lindsey Koop, Rohini Garg, Toan Nguyen, Nagarjuna Reddy Gujjula, Manasa Velagapudi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bacillus cereus (B cereus) has been found within the gastrointestinal flora. Due to its ubiquity, B cereus is usually considered a contaminant. However, it can cause serious infections in certain populations. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old woman with refractory gastroparesis requiring gastric pacemaker with a jejunostomy tube and cervical cancer status post chemotherapy presented with fever and fatigue. Initial and repeat blood cultures (from peripheral and port-a-cath access) grew B cereus and the port-a-cath was removed. She was treated with appropriate antibiotics and bacteremia resolved. DISCUSSION: B cereus is often associated with toxin-mediated emetic or diarrheal gastroenteritis. However, in patients with prosthetic devices or intravenous (IV) drug users, B cereus can cause serious infection. Biofilms produced by B cereus attach to indwelling catheters, allowing persistent infection until catheter removal. CONCLUSION: In patients with prosthetic devices or IV drug use, B cereus should be treated with appropriated antibiotics and any indwelling catheters should be removed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)145-147
Number of pages3
JournalWisconsin Medical Journal
Volume120
Issue number2
StatePublished - Jul 1 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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