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Rapidly fatal infection with Bacillus cereus/thuringiensis: genome assembly of the responsible pathogen and consideration of possibly contributing toxins.

ABSTRACT: Bloodstream infection with Bacillus cereus/thuringiensis can be life threatening, particularly in patients who are severely immunocompromised. In this report we describe a case that progressed from asymptomatic to fatal over approximately 5 hours despite extensive resuscitation efforts. We identify the pathogen and assemble its genome, in which we find genes for toxins that may have contributed to the precipitous demise. In the context of this and other cases we discuss the possible indication for rapid appropriate antibiotic administration and potentially antitoxin treatment or toxin removal in fulminant illness in immunocompromised patients.

SUBMITTER: Butcher M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9716716 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Rapidly fatal infection with Bacillus cereus/thuringiensis: genome assembly of the responsible pathogen and consideration of possibly contributing toxins.

Butcher Monica M Puiu Daniela D Romagnoli Mark M Carroll Karen C KC Salzberg Steven L SL Nauen David W DW

Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease 20210910 4

Bloodstream infection with Bacillus cereus/thuringiensis can be life threatening, particularly in patients who are severely immunocompromised. In this report we describe a case that progressed from asymptomatic to fatal over approximately 5 hours despite extensive resuscitation efforts. We identify the pathogen and assemble its genome, in which we find genes for toxins that may have contributed to the precipitous demise. In the context of this and other cases we discuss the possible indication f ...[more]

PMID: 34601446

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