Bacillus (Aerobic)

Question 1

B. anthracis

Answer 1

G (+) spore-forming rod. Toxin increases cAMP. Glutamic acid polypeptide capsule. Edema factor, protective antigen, lethal factor

“Cutaneous: Black eschar (painless ulcer which can progress to bacteremia and death), surrounded by edematous ring. Caused by lethal factor and edema factor.
Inhaled: Flu-like symptomes that progress to fever and pulmonary hemorrhage, mediastinitis, shock. Imported wool (wool sorter’s disease).
bioterrorism.”

Question 2

B. cereus

Answer 2

Spore former. Spores survive cooking. Keeping rice warm results in germination of spores and enterotoxin formation.

“Food poisoning. Reheated fried rice.
Emetic: rice. Pasta. Nausea & vomiting within first 1-5 hrs. caused by cereulide (pre-formed toxin)
Diarrheal: Watery non-bloody diarrhea and GI pain in 8-18 hrs.”