Cases of severe enteric disease caused by spore-forming aerobic bacteria in Hungary (author's transl)

For a long time there has been doubt the facultative enteropathogenicity of saprophytic bacteria of the genus Bacillus; even today, it is not generally recognized. The simultaneous presence of numerous factors is known to be required for the genesis of enteric diseases (food poisoning). Among bacilli, B. cereus is the most pathogenic one, however, other species may also be involved. In Central Europe, food poisoning caused by bacteria become manifest after a latent period of 6-10 h. Gastric and intestinal convulsions which last for 8-12 h hand diarrhea with watery stools are observed. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and fever are rare symptoms. Cases of food poisoning observed in America and England were mainly characterized by nausea and vomiting lasting 4-6 h after a latent period of 1-2 h. both types have shown a mild course. In the present communication, 5 comparatively severe cases are described, of which 2 occurred in children. In 3 cases. foods of animal origin were incriminated as vehicles of infection, which had not been stated for earlier cases. The potential of spore-forming organisms, in particular of B. cereus, for causing severe disease should not be overlooked.