Fatal pneumonia among metalworkers due to inhalation exposure to Bacillus cereus Containing Bacillus anthracis toxin genes

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Feb 1;44(3):414-6. doi: 10.1086/510429. Epub 2006 Dec 27.

Abstract

Bacillus cereus pneumonia is unusual in nonimmunocompromised hosts. We describe fatal cases in 2 metalworkers and the associated investigation. Anthrax toxin genes were identified in B. cereus isolates from both patients using polymerase chain reaction. Finding anthrax toxin genes in non-Bacillus anthracis isolates has, to our knowledge, only been reported once previously.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Bacillus anthracis / genetics*
  • Bacillus cereus / genetics
  • Bacillus cereus / pathogenicity*
  • Bacterial Toxins / genetics*
  • Dust*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Inhalation Exposure
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / mortality
  • Welding*

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Dust
  • anthrax toxin