Life-threatening complications associated with Bacillus cereus pneumonia

Bacillus species are identified as pathogens in lung and pleural space infections with increasing frequency. We report a patient who developed life-threatening complications of Bacillus cereus pneumonia, including massive hemoptysis, acute respiratory failure, tension pneumothorax, empyema, and bronchopleural fistula. We also review the pertinent literature concerning the associated underlying disorders, complications, and therapy of Bacillus species pulmonary infections.