Bacillus

Bacillus is a genus of mostly Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped bacteria in the family Bacillaceae. Its type species is Bacillus subtilis. Most members are aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, and many can form resistant endospores. Some species or older cultures may be Gram-variable.

Members of the genus occur in soil, water, sediments, foods, and in association with plants and animals. Several species have medical, agricultural, food, or industrial importance. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, Bacillus cereus can cause food poisoning and other infections, Bacillus thuringiensis produces insecticidal proteins, and B. subtilis is widely used as a model organism and in biotechnology.