Background
Microbiology
- Genus of non-branching, catalase positive Gram-positive bacilli
- Often over-decolorized
Identification
| Organism | Width >1 μm | Wide Zone Lecithinase | Spores Swell Sporangium | VP Test | Ferments Mannitol | Ferments Xylose | Anaerobic Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacillus anthracis | + | + | – | + | – | – | + |
| Bacillus cereus | + | + | – | + | – | – | + |
| Bacillus subtilis | – | – | – | + | + | + | – |
| Paenibacillus species | – | – | + | ± | ± | ± | + |
Clinical Presentation
| Species | Disease |
|---|---|
| Bacillus anthracis | anthrax |
| Bacillus cereus | food poisoning, central line infections |
