B.licheniformis, B.subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens and B.pumilus comprise the subtilis group, which has been associated with food borne gastro-enteritis

Taxonomy
Family: Bacillaceae

Natural habitats
Spores occur in soil, dust, water, may survive severe heat treatment

Clinical significance B. licheniformis is generally non-pathogenic but can be an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.
Clinical significance includes:
- Wound infections: Rarely, B. licheniformis can cause infections in patients with compromised immune systems.
- Bacteremia: In rare cases, it has been linked to blood infections, particularly in hospitalized patients.
- Contamination: It can also contaminate clinical samples, laboratory cultures, or medical devices due to its environmental presence.
Overall, B. licheniformis is more recognized for its industrial applications, like enzyme production, than for its role in human disease.