Bacillus cereus spores and toxins - The potential role of biofilms

Abstract

Bacillus cereus is a well-known foodborne pathogen capable of causing two types of gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhoea and emesis. It is of particular concern for the food industry causing food safety issues, due to the formation of spores, biofilms and diarrhoea and/or emetic toxins. This review reveals the possible link between two food safety issues - toxins and spores - and the role of biofilms. The review highlights genetic determinants that are involved in sporulation, toxin production and biofilm formation based on current research, and evidence showing the possible correlation of spore, toxin and biofilm formation of B. cereus. This is the first review highlighting the potential relationship between toxin production and biofilm formation in B. cereus.

Keywords: Bacillus cereus; Biofilms; Spores; Toxins.