The Dual Nature of Bacillus : A Microscopic Paragon of Resilience and Utility
| Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | Shape | Rod (bacillus) | | Gram stain | Positive | | Spores | Yes (endospores) | | Oxygen | Mostly facultative anaerobe | | Motility | Usually motile (peritrichous) | | Habitat | Ubiquitous (soil, water, dust, food, air) | | Clinical relevance | Pathogens: B. anthracis , B. cereus | bacillus
Close on the heels of B. anthracis in terms of public health impact is Bacillus cereus . While less lethal, it is a ubiquitous contaminant responsible for "fried rice syndrome," a common form of food poisoning. B. cereus produces heat-stable toxins that cause emetic (vomiting) or diarrheal syndromes. Because the spores survive cooking and germinate when food is left at improper temperatures, this organism represents a persistent challenge in culinary hygiene. The Dual Nature of Bacillus : A Microscopic
The name comes from the Latin bacillum , meaning "little staff" or "rod." anthracis in terms of public health impact is