the following information is not yet verified
Bacillus cereus group: B.anthracis, B.cereus, B.mycoides, B.thuringiensis

Taxonomy
Family: Bacillaceae

Natural habitats
Spores are widespread in the environment, e.g. soil, water, air or foods

Clinical significance
B. cereus is pathogenic of human and mammals, causing foodborne illness and opportunistic infections (e.g. endophtalmie, keratitis, septicemia, meningitis, endocarditis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, urinary infections, cutaneous infections).

It is a destructive ocular pathogen.

the following information is not yet verified
Gram positive rods, with square ends,

1.0-1.3 x 3.0-5.0 µm
(only B.cereus group + B.megaterium >1 µm)

The bacilli tend to occur in chains
(appearance of bamboo)

Spore shape: ellipsoidal, (cylindrical)
Spore position: subterminal (central of paracentral)
Sporangia swelling: negative

Facultative anaerobic

BA: colonies are large, 6-7 mm, matte, opaque, whitish to cream with a "winding" edge, HEMOLYTIC.

Under the microscope one sees innumerable long, threadlike chains, consisting of bacilli, "Medusa Head".

Smooth and moist colonies are possible.

No capsule present

BBAØ: growth

James Versalovic et al.(2011) Manual of Clinical Microbiology 10th Edition