Bacillus cereus meningitis in two neurosurgical patients: an investigation into the source of the organism

Abstract

Two patients developed Bacillus cereus meningitis following neurosurgery. During the subsequent investigation into the source of the organism, linen was discovered to be heavily contaminated with B. cereus. No other prolific source of the organism was found. It seems probable that lint from contaminated fabric was the vehicle of transmission of the organism during extended surgery. Linen should be considered as a possible source of B. cereus infection.