Assessing the threat of Bacillus cereus: From toxin characterization to modern detection strategies.

Ruibing Tian; Shuang Sun

doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.150391

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Assessing the threat of Bacillus cereus: From toxin characterization to modern detection strategies.

Ruibing Tian·Shuang Sun

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Abstract

Bacillus cereus is a spore-forming pathogen responsible for both diarrheal and emetic foodborne illnesses worldwide. Its significance in food safety has received growing attention. Recent advances, including the discovery of novel virulence factors and the development of emerging detection technologies, have provided new insights into its pathogenic mechanisms and surveillance strategies. This review critically examines the global burden of B. cereus infections, and molecular mechanisms of its major virulence factors, and the performance characteristics of current detection knowledge gaps such as the viable-but-non-culturable state and regulatory blind spots for emetic toxins, and discuss unresolved challenges in clinical management. By integrating epidemiological, microbiological, and technological perspectives with critical lens, this review aims to provide a valuable reference for future research and food safety practices.

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Bacillus cereus Humans Bacterial Toxins Foodborne Diseases Animals Food Contamination Virulence Factors Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections Bacterial Proteins Journal Article Review

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Ruibing Tian, Shuang Sun. 2026-07-14. Assessing the threat of Bacillus cereus: From toxin characterization to modern detection strategies.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.150391

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Journal Article; Review resource Animals subject Bacterial Proteins subject Bacterial Toxins subject Food Contamination subject Foodborne Diseases subject Humans subject Journal Article subject

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