Bacillus cereus

Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that causes food poisoning. You can get it from rice, meats, sauces, dairy and other foods. It causes vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for a day or two.

It’s also possible to get a Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) infection in other parts of your body. These include your eyes, lungs, skin and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). B. cereus infections are rare and more likely to happen if you have a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of Bacillus cereus infections

Symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea

How do you get Bacillus cereus food poisoning?

B. cereus is common in soil, dust and water and can get into the food you eat. If food isn’t heated or stored properly, bacteria can grow and give off toxins. For example, bacteria can grow when cooked rice sits outside the fridge for too long. Reheating or frying food doesn’t always kill the bacteria or get rid of the toxins. You get sick when you eat food contaminated with the toxins or bacteria.

Many different types of foods can cause B. cereus food poisoning. These include:

• Cheese and other dairy products
• Fish
• Meat
• Sauces
• Soups and stews
• Starchy foods, like rice, pasta and potatoes
• Sushi
• Vegetables

Complications

Complications of B. cereus food poisoning are rare. Severe vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening. Rarely, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, damaging your organs.

How doctors diagnose Bacillus cereus

Healthcare providers diagnose B. cereus by:

• Testing a sample of your stool (poop), vomit or blood
• Testing a sample of the food that made you sick

Providers look for a certain amount of bacteria in a sample of the food you ate to determine if that’s what made you sick.

How is Bacillus cereus treated?

B. cereus food poisoning usually doesn’t need treatment unless you have severe complications. In many cases, the toxins in the food you ate — not the bacteria themselves — are making you sick. Antibiotics, which kill bacteria, wouldn’t help in those cases.

Instead, your provider may suggest:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids to help you stay hydrated

If you have severe diarrhea or vomiting, your provider may recommend getting IV fluids.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Go to the emergency room if you have signs of a serious infection, especially if:

• You have a weakened immune system
• You can’t keep fluids down
• You have severe diarrhea
• You feel weak or dizzy or have other signs of dehydration

What can I expect if I have a Bacillus cereus infection?

B. cereus food poisoning usually goes away on its own. You should feel better within a few hours to two days. Drink water, broth or electrolyte replacement drinks to prevent dehydration.

Can this be prevented?

You can lower your risk of B. cereus food poisoning by cooking and storing your food safely. Steps you can take include:

• Refrigerate cooked leftovers within two hours.
• Keep cold food refrigerated at or below 38 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
• Cook food to the recommended safe internal temperature.
• Throw out any food that’s been sitting out too long.