Wound: Bacillus thuringiensis – Shipped August 15, 2016
HISTORY
A simulated wound sample collected from a 48 year old farmer with arm injury was sent to category A and B laboratories.
Participants were expected to isolate, identify and report Bacillus thuringiensis / Bacillus species, not anthracis.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from M162-3
- Any isolate of the B. cereus group should be evaluated to exclude B. anthracis, particularly in a patient with potential for occupational exposure as described in this challenge.
- β-hemolytic colonies essentially rule out B. anthracis, but B. cereus is a well-recognized opportunistic pathogen and should not be dismissed a normal flora.
- Any manipulations performed to rule out B. anthracis should be performed in a biological safety cabinet by staff wearing gloves.
CMPT is a program of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. Canada.