This microbe is a member of the Bacillus cereus family, which includes B. cereus, B. megaterium, and B. thuringiensis. These are Gram positive endospore-forming rods belonging to the Group 1a Bacilli known for oblong spores that do not distend the sporangium. Distinguishing among these can be difficult due to similarities in their metabolism and growth characteristics. They are catalase positive and ferment carbohydrates without production of gas. They grow well over a wide range of temperatures.
Bacillus anthracis is known as the cause of anthrax, a disease associated with anthrax toxin that can cause lethal infections among a wide variety of animals when inhaled or ingested, and which can also cause serious infections through abrasions in the skin.