Selective culture in patients with suspected Bacillus cereus culture. This test is not routinely carried out and so brief clinical and epidemiological information should be included. Positive isolates are referred to the reference laboratory for detection of emetic toxin gene by PCR.
Container / Tube
Brown top universal with spoon.
Collection Conditions
Min vol 2g.
Availability
N/A.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Ä¢¹½tvÊÓƵ, LS9 7TF.
Additional Information
Bacillus cereus toxin is responsible for approximately 2 to 5% of food poisoning episodes. 8 to 16 hours after ingestion of the toxin symptoms of diarrhoea, gastrointestinal pain, nausea and vomiting occur. The symptoms are self-limiting. All food items can be contaminated. Bacillus cereus is ubiquitously present in soil and produces spores which enable it to survive extreme environmental conditions. Diarrhoeal faecal samples or samples taken shortly after the clearance of symptoms can be cultured for Bacillus cereus.
Turnaround Time
5 days.
ID
3633