What symptoms does Bacillus cereus cause when toxin-containing food is ingested?

• A. Fever and rash
• B. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea
• C. Cough and shortness of breath
• D. Jaundice

Answer: (B)

Gastrointestinal symptoms from preformed toxins in contaminated food are the hallmark of Bacillus cereus toxin–mediated illness. There are two toxin syndromes: an emetic form that causes nausea and vomiting with abdominal cramps (often within a few hours), and a diarrheal form that causes abdominal cramps and diarrhea (typically a bit later). The combination of nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea encompasses the typical GI manifestations from toxin-containing Bacillus cereus, making it the best match. Fever, rash, cough, shortness of breath, or jaundice are not characteristic of this food poisoning.