Bacillus Cereus is known for a specific type of infection. What is it?

Bacillus cereus is primarily associated with foodborne illness as a toxin-mediated infection. This refers to illnesses caused by toxins produced by bacteria rather than the bacteria themselves invading the body. Bacillus cereus can cause two types of foodborne illnesses: the emetic (vomiting) type and the diarrheal type, which are caused by different toxins.

In the case of the emetic syndrome, a toxin called cereulide is responsible, which can lead to rapid-onset vomiting after consuming contaminated foods, particularly rice dishes. The diarrheal type involves enterotoxins that can lead to diarrhea and abdominal cramps after the consumption of contaminated foods, especially those that are starchy and have been improperly held at warm temperatures.

This mechanism of action distinguishes Bacillus cereus from invasive infections, where the bacteria themselves invade host tissues, or intoxications where pre-formed toxins lead to illness without the need for a proliferation of the organism in the host. Hence, Bacillus cereus notably exemplifies a pathogen where the illness results from the action of toxins produced during the growth of bacteria rather than from infection via the bacteria itself.