Bacillus Species

The genus Bacillus is a diverse group of gram-positive, spore-forming aerobic bacilli. B anthracis, the agent of anthrax, is primarily an animal pathogen but is capable of causing human infection, most commonly of the skin or lungs. B cereus, a well-recognized cause of gastroenteritis, may occasionally cause epidemics in health institutions. Both B cereus and other Bacillus species are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens in the hospitalized patient. This report is intended as a comprehensive review of the bacteriology, clinical features, and therapy of Bacillus spp infections. Nosocomial epidemics and transmission will be highlighted.