Bacillus cereus

bacterium

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Bacillus cereus is a rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in soil and water. While many Bacillus species are harmless, B. cereus can cause food spoilage and short-term food poisoning. This bacterium is known for its ability to form dormant, heat-resistant spores that can survive for extended periods and are widely distributed in nature. Some strains of B. cereus can cause illness if ingested through contaminated food or water.12

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bacillus
For example, B. cereus sometimes causes spoilage in canned foods and food poisoning of short duration. B. subtilis is a common contaminant of laboratory cultures (it plagued Louis Pasteur in many of his experiments) and is often found on human skin. Most strains of Bacillus are not…
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For example, B. cereus sometimes causes spoilage in canned foods and food poisoning of short duration. B. subtilis is a common contaminant of laboratory cultures (it plagued Louis Pasteur in many of his experiments) and is often found on human skin. Most strains of Bacillus are not…
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malformation
Exaggerated growth
…by the nonpathogenic soil bacterium Bacillus cereus.
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…by the nonpathogenic soil bacterium Bacillus cereus.
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