Bacillus cereus infections among oncology patients at a children's hospital

Background: Bacillus cereus can cause severe infections in immunocompromise d persons. Methods: We report 3 cases of bacteremia/septicemia (1 fatal) among oncolog y patients in a children's hospital. Because all cases occurred during a 10 -day period, a common source outbreak was suspected. An epidemiologic inves tigation was performed. Molecular comparison of patient and environmental i solates was performed by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Results: After an extensive investigation, no common hospital source could be found. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis proved that the isolates were no t related. Conclusion: Sporadic infections in immunocompromised persons do occur and c an be associated with significant morbidity.