Researcher Information
Sharoni Michal
sharonim@mit.edu (123) 456-7890
The information provided below is for MIT researchers' use and is subject to change by EHS. For our legal disclaimer please see - http://ehs.mit.edu/site/content/legal-disclaimer
Agent Characteristics
Bacillus cereus
RG 2
Bacteria
Yes          
Gram-positive rod shape facultative anaerobes that are mobile and form spores.  B. cereus produces 6 types of toxins: 5 enterotoxins and 1 emetic toxin.
HumansAnimals
Cut/ Needlestick / Non-intact skinIngestionMucous Membranes
Infectious dose: The toxin responsible for diarrheal illness is produced by organisms in the small intestine; the infectious dose is ~110 cells per gram of food. Incubation time depends on the toxin: 0.5-6  hrs. for emetic (vomiting); 6-15 hrs. for diarrheal.
Health Hazards
Causes two toxin-mediated food-borne illnesses: (a) Diarrheal syndrome (6-15 hrs. after ingestion) with cramps, watery diarrhea, vomiting, and low-grade fever; or (b) Vomiting syndrome (0.5-6 hours after ingestion) with nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (in 1/3 pts).  Both syndromes are short-lived and usually resolve in 24 hrs.  However, vomiting syndrome has occasionally been associated with liver failure.  Infection outside of the GI tract (blood, heart, bone, brain, lung, and eye) can be severe and may cause sepsis.  Eye infections can cause blindness.  
None available
None available
Gastrointestinal symptoms: supportive treatment, especially rehydration.  Infection outside of the GI tract: antibiotic therapy (e.g. vancomycin, linezolid, others). 
Containment
BSL 2
ABSL2
Viability
20% household bleach (~1% sodium hypochlorite)hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid (Peridox)Fresh 2% glutaraldehyde (Gluterate / CIDEX)
100°C for 5 minutes; Gamma irradiation at 2-5 kGy
Bacillus cereus is a spore-forming bacteria and can survive for extended periods of time.
Ingestion, contamination due to spores.
PPE/Containment
Wear gloves, lab coat, and appropriate lab attire (pants/long dress, closed toed shoes); eye protection, e.g. safety glasses, safety goggles recommended for liquids. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs for handling Bacillus cereus.
Biosafety cabinet recommended for procedures that can generate aerosols or splashes, Minimize use of sharps
Spill Procedures
Notify others working in the lab.  Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE.  Cover area of the spill with paper towels and apply an EPA approved disinfectant, working from the perimeter towards the center.  Allow 10 minutes of contact time. Cleanup spill materials and dispose as biowaste. Surface disinfect 5-10 minutes. Remove PPE and wash hands.
For large volume spills or biological spills in a public area, contact MIT's Biosafety Program or the EHS office (617-452-3477) during normal business hours.  If the spill occurs after hours or on weekends, activate the EHS ON CALL system by dialing Operations 3-4948 (617-253-4948) or MIT Police by dialing 100 from a campus phone or 617-253-1212 from a mobile phone.
Exposure Procedures
Flush eyes, mouth, or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.
Wash area with soap and water and rinse/scrub for 5-10 minutes.
Immediately report incident to supervisor, PI, or EHS Representative. PI/supervisor must submit incident report in Atlas within 24 hours.
Medical Follow-up
9:00am-4:00pm, weekdays:
contact MIT Occupational Health:
Phone: 617-253-8552
Address: 25 Carleton Street, Building E23, Cambridge, MA 02142
website		 8:00am-8:00pm, weekdays
10:00am-4:00pm, weekends
MIT Health Urgent Care
phone: 617-253-1311
address: 25 Carleton Street, Building E23, Cambridge, MA 02142
Or call MIT Police 617-253-1212		 Emergencies:
Call 100 from a campus phone or
617-253-1212 from a mobile phone
Additional comments
References
Created on April  5, 2021 at 11:52 AM (EDT). Last updated by Zhong, Lu on Nov. 19, 2025 at  5:29 PM (EST). Owned by Zhong, Lu.
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