Bacillus cereus: FOOD, HEALTH AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Foodborne diseases (FDs) are an important public health issue at the global level due to their incidence, serious sequels and mortality. FDs present different causal agents, among them those of biological origin such as viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites. Bacillus cereus is considered an opportunistic pathogen and producer of food poisoning. Meat, cooked vegetables, rice, soups, milk, cheese and raw vegetable sprouts are the foods generally involved in its incidence. This article shows a general perspective of the FDs, specifically of those that have B. cereus as causal agent. Their biochemistry and metabolism is included, as well as some biotechnological alternatives for prevention and contamination control in foods.