Ocular Infections B. cereus is a primary pathogen for ocular infections. This species is one of the most common agents associated with posttraumatic endophthalmitis. When B. cereus is the causative agent, an intraocular foreign body is often present. Injuries caused by metal fragments and injuries associated with contamination by soil and dust increase the risk of infection by B. cereus . The onset of infection is rapid and leads to destruction of the vitreous and retinal tissue, causing loss of vision 12 to 48 hours after inoculation.
Patients frequently become systemically ill, with fever and leukocytosis.
Endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis can also be related to intravenous drug abuse. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing permanent structural changes and blindness. Food Poisoning B. cereus produces two enterotoxins, diarrheal toxin and emetic toxin, that are responsible for two food poisoning syndromes. The emetic form is associated primarily with the ingestion of contaminated fried rice. One to six hours after ingestion, the individual experiences vomiting and symptoms identical to those of staphylococcal food poisoning.