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, on bird feathers, may survive severe heat treatment

Clinical significance:
Bacillus pumilus is generally considered non-pathogenic but can occasionally cause opportunistic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Clinical significance includes:
- Wound infections: Rare cases have been reported, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Bacteremia: It has been linked to bloodstream infections in some cases, primarily in hospitalized patients.
- Contamination: B. pumilus can also be a contaminant in clinical samples and laboratory settings.
Although rarely pathogenic, B. pumilus is of interest for its potential in industrial applications, such as in the production of enzymes.