We all have may have had at least one episode of eating food that causes us to fall sick. This is especially true after eating food from outside the house or in big gatherings. If you have not experience this, you are considered lucky. While in most cases food related issues are not a concern, it is best to ask a doctor whenever symptoms get worse or do not resolve with over-the-counter medication. There are many kind of disease that could negatively affect the human digestive system. One of it is Bacillus cereus.
Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria known to produce toxins that cause danger to humans. Its toxin can make humans sick. This bacteria is commonly found in the environment and can be found in contaminated food. It can quickly multiple at room temperature and produce toxins. Toxins are produced from multiplied spores.
The toxins this bacteria produces can cause 2 types of digestive symptoms , the emetic (vomiting) syndrome and diarrhoea syndrome. When emetic toxin (cereulide) is produced in food, vomiting follows after eating the contaminated food. Symptoms will usually show up to 6 to 15 hours after eating the contaminated food. It is possible for vomiting and nausea to appear as soon as half an hour after eating contaminated food. When the toxin (enterotoxin) is produced in the intestine after eating food contaminated with the bacteria, it will cause diarrhoeal syndrome. Such symptoms may be presented between 1 to 6 hours after consumption of the contaminated food. At times, it may be approximately 8-16 hours. These are ways how Bacillus cereus is harmful to humans.
Bacillus cereus is estimated to be responsible for up to 12% of all food poisoning outbreaks worldwide. Starchy foodstuffs such as rice or pasta were the one mostly found with the bacteria. However, Bacillus cereus can be found as a contaminant of various foods such as beef, turkey, fruit products, vegetables, sauces, soup, salad and milk products.
Emetic syndrome typically disappears within 6 to 14 hours. Diarrhoeal symptoms on the other hand disappear within 12 to 24 hours. While it is true that these symptoms may disappear within a day or two, there is a possibility it can become severe or with more serious symptoms. It may even lead to death as there were reports on this tragic event, despite it being considered rare. The elderly and patients with lower stomach acidity are more susceptible to have diarrhoeal syndrome. Emetic syndrome has been associated with few cases of liver failure in healthy people.
Beside Bacillus cereus is harmful to humans as it causes emetic and digestive syndromes, there is a term known as extra-gastrointestinal syndromes. This specific syndrome is caused by the bacteria entering the body via various entries unrelated to food. It could be caused from direct penetrating injuries such as gunshot wound, open fractures, animal bites or burn wound, infected wound, contaminated medical tools such as needles or inhaling dust with bacteria/being in hospital with an outbreak of this bacteria. It may also cause infection to the eyes, besides affecting respiratory system and wounds.
Everyone is at risk for Bacillus cereus but not everyone is at risk for extra-gastrointestinal syndrome. A person is at risk for extra-gastrointestinal syndrome if they use intravenous (IV) drugs, have an indwelling catheter, have wounds from trauma or operation and a weakened immune system.
To diagnose diseases from Bacillus cereus, doctors will initially ask about symptoms after eating the last meal. To confirm it, samples of the food and sample of stool or vomit is typically taken. This is very true in settings after a large food event. In such an event, there are high chances for improper handling and serving of cooked food, holding cooked food at room temperature for too long and leftover food that is not properly heated. Blood tests may be considered with those extra-gastrointestinal syndrome to look for the bacteria. Sample body fluids such as eye fluid may be taken and checked for the presence of the bacteria.
In case of food poisoning, there is no specific treatment and patients are likely told by doctors to get plenty of rest and ensure they are drinking lots of fluids until symptoms subside. In severe cases of diarrhoea or vomiting, patients may need to receive IV fluids instead. For Bacillus cereus without food poisoning symptoms, treatment will depend on the symptoms. Antibiotics are not usually indicated for symptoms as it is caused by toxins. Even though antibiotics may be given in some conditions such as eye infection caused by the bacteria.
While infection from Bacillus cereus is indeed harmful, it is uncommon for complications to occur and may only be in those with compromised immune systems if they are only presented with either emetic or digestive syndrome. Patients with infections beside the digestive system can have complications such as gangrene, cellulitis, septicemia and even death. Again, it is vital for patients to get checked by a doctor when they have symptoms related to Bacillus cereus infection.
