You Can'tB. cereus- A Review ofBacillus cereusStrains That Cause Anthrax-Like Disease

Emerging strains ofBacillus cereus, traditionally considered a self-limiting foodborne pathogen, have been associated with anthrax-like disease in mammals, including humans. The strains have emerged by divergent evolution and, as exchange of genetic material in theBacillusgenus occurs naturally, it is possible that further isolates will be identified in the future. The strains vary in their genotypes and phenotypes, combining traits of bothB. cereusandB. anthracisspecies. Cases of anthrax-like disease associated with these strains result in similar symptoms and mortality rates as those caused byB. anthracis.The strains are susceptible to frontline antibiotics used in the treatment of anthrax and existing vaccines provide protection in animal models. The emergence of these strains has reignited the debate surrounding classification of theB. cereus sensu latogroup and serves as a reminder that the field of medical microbiology is constantly changing and remains an important and ongoing area of research.