Have you ever had a stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea shortly after eating a meal? Sometimes we think the food was a little too spicy or not cooked properly. However, a small, invisible enemy that can be behind these things is a bacteria called Bacillus cereus . Today, we'll talk about this in detail and simply.
What is this 'Bacillus cereus'?
Simply put, 'Bacillus cereus' is a type of bacteria that is very small, only visible under a microscope. They are commonly found in the environment. However, this bacteria can produce a toxin that makes us sick. That's what causes us problems.
These two types of `Bacillus cereus` can mainly affect us:
1. The type that affects your digestive system (we call this `intestinal`).
2. The type that affects other parts of your body (this is called `non-intestinal`).
Food poisoning is caused by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which affects the digestive system. Most of the time, it gets better on its own within a day or two. However, if you have a weak immune system , it can be a little more serious.
Infections caused by non-intestinal Bacillus cereus, which are not related to food poisoning, can sometimes be more serious. You are especially at risk if you have the following conditions:
- Having a weakened immune system.
- Having injuries from surgery or other accidents.
What types of Bacillus cereus cause food poisoning?
As we mentioned earlier, food poisoning is caused by Bacillus cereus, which affects the digestive system. There are two main types of this.
1. The type that causes diarrhea (`Enterotoxins` or `diarrheal syndrome`)
What happens is that after you eat food that contains bacteria or their spores, the toxin is produced in your small intestine . This type of infection, caused by Bacillus cereus, is most common in countries like America and Europe.
Symptoms usually appear between 6 and 15 hours after eating contaminated food. Foods that can cause this disease include:
- Fish
- Dairy products
- Meats
- Sauces
- Soups and gravies
- Vegetables
2. Emetic or vomiting syndrome
What happens is that the toxin is already in the food before you eat it. You can get sick usually between 1 and 6 hours after eating contaminated food.
Imagine what happens if we leave some rice cooked for lunch out until night, or if we leave rice brought from a party out without putting it in the fridge. That's when this bacteria comes into play. If cooked rice is not refrigerated properly, and is left at room temperature for too long, this bacteria can grow and produce toxins. Rice is the most commonly associated with this type of `Bacillus cereus`. Not only that, but cheeses, as well as starchy foods such as:
- Pasta
- Types of pastries
- Potato
- Sushi
This poisoning can also occur from things like:
Important: Some people think that reheating food will kill these bacteria. True, the bacteria can die. However, the toxin they produce is not destroyed by heating. That's the problem!
What are `Bacillus cereus` infections that are not related to food poisoning? (`Non-intestinal Bacillus cereus`)
This type of Bacillus cereus infection affects other parts of the body outside of your digestive system. It is most commonly seen in:
- In the eyes
- Respiratory system
- In wounds
This bacteria can live in places like dust, plants, soil, and water.
Who is more likely to develop this `Bacillus cereus`?
In fact, anyone, regardless of age or race, can develop food poisoning or other infections associated with Bacillus cereus.
However, the risk of developing non-intestinal Bacillus cereus infections increases if you:
- If it is a newborn baby.
- If you continue to use an indwelling catheter.
- If you have a weak immune system.
- If you have unhealed wounds from surgery or another accident.
- If you are a user of intravenous (IV) drugs.
How common are these `Bacillus cereus` infections?
Food poisoning caused by the bacteria Bacillus cereus is very common . In the United States alone, there are about 63,400 cases reported each year. Imagine how many cases there are in our country, especially with the way we eat outside.
But non-intestinal (not related to the digestive system) Bacillus cereus infections are somewhat rare.
How does this `Bacillus cereus` cause food poisoning?
Most of the time, it happens when you eat food that has been left at room temperature. Even if you reheat the food, it can still cause food poisoning.
The bacteria `Bacillus cereus` produces spores, and these spores release toxins. These spores multiply very quickly at room temperature. When you eat food containing these spores, the toxins cause vomiting or diarrhea. Imagine, if a bowl of lentil soup cooked in the morning is left out until evening, or if a fish stew is left out of the fridge for two days, then this bacteria has a good chance of doing its job.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning caused by `Bacillus cereus`?
The symptoms of those diarrhea-causing types (`Enterotoxins`) are:
- Abdominal pain, stomach ache
- Stomach cramping
- Watery diarrhea
Symptoms of the `emetic syndrome` include:
- Nausea (feeling like vomiting)
- Vomiting
How does Bacillus cereus cause foodborne diseases?
These diseases are caused by Bacillus cereus spores that enter the body in some way and produce toxins. These spores can enter the body through:
- From contaminated equipment used in hospitals, for example, catheters.
- From infected wounds.
- By inhaling polluted dust.
- From hospital-acquired infections.
The non-intestinal diseases that can be caused by B. cereus are:
- Bacteria entering the bloodstream (bacteremia)
- Bacterial or fungal infection of the eye (endophthalmitis) - This is very dangerous.
- Brain abscess
- Cellulitis (skin infection)
- Infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis)
- Meningitis - also called brain fever.
- Bone infection (Osteomyelitis)
- Pneumonia
What are the symptoms of Bacillus cereus infections outside the alimentary canal?
The symptoms vary depending on the type of disease. The most severe form is a condition called endophthalmitis. Symptoms of this life-threatening eye infection may include:
- Eye pain
- Hard work
- Fever
- Increased white blood cell count (leukocytosis)
- Vision loss
- Redness of the eyes
- Ring-shaped corneal ulcer
Some endophthalmitis patients may even lose an eye. Therefore, if you notice anything unusual about your eyes, you should see a doctor immediately.
How do doctors diagnose food poisoning caused by `Bacillus cereus`? (`Diagnosis`)
A doctor will usually suspect food poisoning based on your symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain) and the last meal you ate. Then they will do a physical exam. To confirm that B. cereus is the cause, a sample of the food you ate and a sample of your stool or vomit will need to be tested. Specifically, food poisoning is confirmed when there are 100,000 or more B. cereus organisms per gram of food. In cases of diarrhea, a blood test may also be done to look for the toxin.
How do you diagnose a Bacillus cereus infection outside of the alimentary canal?
If an infection is suspected, blood cultures are the most common way to check for bacteria in the blood. Samples of body fluids (for example, vitreous fluid in the case of endophthalmitis) are also taken and tested for bacteria using standard cultures and a Gram stain. A Gram stain involves staining a sample on a glass slide with a special dye and looking at it under a microscope.
What are the treatments for food poisoning caused by `Bacillus cereus`?
Most cases of food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus will resolve on their own within 24 hours. A doctor may tell you to do the following:
- Rest well.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. This is very important. When you have diarrhea or vomiting, your body loses a lot of water, so you need to replace it. Drinking a drink like Jeevani is also good.
If you have severe diarrhea or vomiting, a doctor may recommend giving you intravenous saline (`IV fluids`) .
What are the treatments for Bacillus cereus infections outside the alimentary canal?
Treatment for this varies depending on the specific condition you have. Usually, a doctor will start you on antibiotics to fight the bacteria. However, B. cereus has been found to be resistant to some antibiotics. Therefore, it is very important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, for the exact amount of time.
How to reduce the risk of food poisoning caused by `Bacillus cereus`?
Keeping food safe is the only way to reduce this risk. Here are some things you can do:
- If cooked food is not to be eaten immediately, cool it to a temperature below 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) within six hours . For example, do not leave rice or curry cooked at noon out until the evening, but put it in the fridge as soon as it is cooked.
- Store foods that need to be frozen in the refrigerator at a temperature below 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) .
- Keep food that needs to be kept hot at a temperature higher than 60 degrees Celsius (135 degrees Fahrenheit) . We sometimes see food on buffets at homes and parties being kept warm in chafing dishes. That's how it is.
- Make sure that the food you are reheating is heated to at least 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit) . Just warm is not enough. It needs to be very hot.
- Throw away any food that you think might contain bacteria. If in doubt, don't eat it. That's the best thing to do.
Just think, if we eat a `fried rice` or `kottu` that we buy from the store at night and leave the leftovers outside, there is a good chance that `Bacillus cereus` will grow on it by the next morning. Therefore, it is very important to be careful about storing food.
How to reduce the risk of Bacillus cereus infection outside the food chain?
You can reduce this risk by washing your hands frequently and properly . You can also:
- If you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system, get it treated properly.
- Do not use intravenous drugs.
- If you have any injury or accident, seek medical attention immediately.
What happens if `Bacillus cereus` develops?
Unless your immune system is weak, complications from food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus are rare . Most people who get this type of B. cereus infection recover quickly.
However, non-intestinal Bacillus cereus infections can sometimes cause death or other complications. Examples:
- Tissue death (`Gangrene`)
- Permanent vision loss
- Septicemia
- Viral meningitis - Although this starts with bacteria, other complications can occur.
What is the prognosis for recovery if you develop `Bacillus cereus`?
If you have food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus, the outlook for recovery is generally very good . Most people make a full recovery.
However, if you have a Bacillus cereus infection outside of the alimentary canal, the outlook for recovery depends on:
- It depends on how quickly you get treatment.
- Depending on the severity of the infection.
- Depending on other underlying medical conditions you have.
Are there other conditions that are at higher risk of complications?
In general, if your immune system is weak , you are more likely to develop complications from Bacillus cereus infections. Also, if you:
- If it is a newborn baby.
- If someone is already hospitalized.
- If antibiotics are not started early for an infection outside the alimentary canal.
- If you have a cancer of the blood-forming tissues (hematologic malignancies) (e.g. leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma).
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have neutropenia (a low level of a type of white blood cell).
- If you are taking medications such as corticosteroids.
In cases like this, the prognosis can get a little worse.
How do I take care of myself when I have Bacillus cereus?
When you have food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus, you can:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Rest well.
If you have a Bacillus cereus infection outside the alimentary canal:
- Live a healthy lifestyle.
- Take the exact medications prescribed for the underlying medical conditions.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have a weakened immune system and you develop symptoms of food poisoning or a Bacillus cereus infection, call 1990 immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
Being infected with Bacillus cereus can be a real pain in the ass. Food poisoning is a very unpleasant experience and can make you very sick. Fortunately, food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus usually gets better within a day or so, and most people recover completely. B. cereus can also cause illnesses outside the digestive tract, but these are rare. If you have a weakened immune system or other underlying health conditions, both types of Bacillus cereus infections can be more serious. Drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest can help you recover from food poisoning quickly. Antibiotics can help with infections outside the digestive tract. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of recovery.
Final Take-Home Message
- Bacillus cereus is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other infections.
- This can occur especially from cooked foods, especially rice, that have been left at room temperature for too long .
- The main symptoms of food poisoning are vomiting and/or diarrhea.
- Although this usually resolves within a day, it can be a bit dangerous for those with weakened immune systems .
- The best way to avoid this is to follow food safety practices . Cook food properly, store it properly, and refrigerate leftovers quickly.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms in the eyes, wounds, or respiratory system, be aware of that as well.
- If in doubt, definitely see a doctor. Don't worry, prompt treatment can often lead to a good recovery.
Your health is important to us too!
` Bacillus cereus, food poisoning, bacteria, infection, diarrhea, vomiting, food safety, spores
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