Bacillus cereus is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning, with symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to diarrhea. It is commonly found in starchy foods like rice and can be difficult to eradicate due to its resistance to heat. Prevention includes proper food storage and cooking, while treatment may require medical attention.
Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria known to cause some types of food poisoning. Cases of Bacillus cereus food poisoning can be divided into two categories. Starchy foods, especially rice, contaminated with this bacterium usually cause nausea and vomiting in a person. Other types of food contaminated with this bacteria can cause symptoms such as diarrhea. Bacillus cereus is very resistant to heat, so proper food storage is important when trying to prevent Bacillus cereus poisoning.
Bacillus cereus bacteria are found in the soil. Some filaments of this bacterium are considered beneficial and are used to create antibodies. Other filaments, however, can make people seriously ill if ingested. Contamination of food with Bacillus cereus usually results in a severe bout of Bacillus cereus food poisoning.
The first type of B. cereus food poisoning is usually contracted through contaminated starchy foods, including potatoes, pasta, and rice. Symptoms of this type of Bacillus cereus poisoning usually begin a couple of hours after ingesting contaminated food. Symptoms usually include nausea and vomiting and typically only last several hours.
Fried rice syndrome is an excellent example of this type of Bacillus cereus food poisoning. Rice is often contaminated with this type of bacteria. If rice isn’t refrigerated properly after it’s steamed, bacteria thrives and multiplies rapidly. Even the hot and fast frying method used to make fried rice isn’t enough to kill bacteria.
Another type of Bacillus cereus food poisoning may not show up until several hours after a person ingests the contaminated food. In fact, in some cases it may not cause any symptoms until the next day. Meats, seafood, vegetables and dairy products contaminated with this type of bacteria can cause nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Bacillus cereus is one of the only types of bacteria that can form endospores. These are spores that form within the structure of a particular bacterium. They are generally resistant to heat, making Bacillus cereus somewhat difficult to weed out of contaminated food.
Treating food poisoning caused by this bacteria usually requires medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe. Mild cases of this type of food poisoning, however, can be treated at home. Rest is usually recommended, and patients are advised to drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration. An antibiotic may also be given.
Prevention of Bacillus cereus food poisoning can be achieved by implementing adequate food safety. Food must be washed and cooked thoroughly before consumption. Also, foods should not be left at room temperature. Instead, they should be stored in the refrigerator until they are ready to be cooked or eaten.
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