Identification of Bacillus cereus group species associated with food poisoning outbreaks in British Columbia, Canada

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2008 Dec;74(23):7451-3. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01284-08. Epub 2008 Oct 10.

Abstract

Food poisoning laboratories identify Bacillus cereus using routine methods that may not differentiate all Bacillus cereus group species. We recharacterized Bacillus food-poisoning strains from 39 outbreaks and identified B. cereus in 23 outbreaks, B. thuringiensis in 4, B. mycoides in 1, and mixed strains of Bacillus in 11 outbreaks.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bacillus / classification*
  • Bacillus / isolation & purification*
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • British Columbia / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Foodborne Diseases / microbiology*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial