19200

Bacillus cereus is not a “harmless” microorganism, as stated in your article. It has been described in the ophthalmologic literature as one of the most destructive organisms if it gains access to the inside of the eye, and it is a relatively common cause of posttraumatic endophthalmitis. There is a high incidence of B. cereus endophthalmitis secondary to intraocular foreign bodies, but infection can also occur from blunt trauma or a lacerating injury. Such endophthalmitis can have a rapid onset and cause irreversible blindness, occasionally requiring removal of the eye. Researchers should take great care to protect their eyes from injury while working with this potentially dangerous bacterium.

David W. Richards
Burton G. Goldstein
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
Tampa, Fla.