Bacilus cereus: Epidemiology, Virulence Factors, and Host-Pathogen Interactions

The toxin-producing bacterium Bacillus cereus is an important and neglected human pathogen and a common cause of food poisoning. Several toxins have been implicated in disease, including the pore-forming toxins hemolysin BL (HBL) and nonhemolytic enterotoxin (NHE). Recent work revealed that HBL binds to the mammalian surface receptors LITAF and CDIP1 and that both HBL and NHE induce potassium efflux and activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to pyroptosis. These mammalian receptors, in part, contribute to inflammation and pathology. Other putative virulence factors of B. cereus include cytotoxin K, cereulide, metalloproteases, sphingomyelinase, and phospholipases. In this review, we highlight the latest progress in our understanding of B. cereus biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis, and discuss potential new directions for research in this field.

Automated summary

Bacillus cereus, a toxin-producing bacterium, is an important yet often neglected human pathogen causing food poisoning. Its toxins like hemolysin BL and nonhemolytic enterotoxin play a crucial role in the disease, by inducing potassium efflux and activating inflammasomes leading to pyroptosis. Understanding the biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of B. cereus is crucial for potential new research directions in the field.