Bacillus cereus is an environmentally widespread gram-positive, spore-forming, motile rod, which can cause gastrointestinal (e.g. diarrhoea) as well as non gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. septicemia, endocarditis, infections of the central nervous system) in humans. The illness is normally self-limiting and of short duration, although a few fatal cases have occurred. Reporting of Bacillus cereus food poisoning is not required, and as a result a low number of registered cases is regarded as representing only about 1% of actual cases. The frequency of cases also varies geographically, accounting for less than 1% of all food-related illnesses in some countries while more than 30% in others. In addition to this, some Bacillus cereus strains produce a different, heat-stable toxin known as Bacillus cereus emetic toxin. This toxin is assumed to be pre-formed in the food and is often associated with starchy products, such as rice and pasta. For these reasons, it is becoming increasingly relevant to test foods for toxin-forming Bacillus cereus using reliable and rapid testing methods. Innovative, rapid tests make screening for pathogenic organisms easier. This one-step format reduces the possibility of errors during handling.
- Easy to use: Simply add sample and read off the result
- Safe: Clear and distinctive positive or negative test results with built-in positive control
- Reliable: As sensitive as the official culture media method
- Economical: Rapid results save labour and inventory costs