Final answer:
Bacillus cereus is a gram-positive endospore-forming bacterium that causes foodborne intoxication. The bacterium produces toxins in food, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, pain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacillus cereus is a gram-positive endospore-forming bacterium that can cause foodborne intoxication. It produces enterotoxins in food after it has been heated, particularly in prepared foods left at room temperature for too long. The symptoms of Bacillus cereus intoxication include nausea, pain, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea or vomiting, depending on the toxins produced.
One important point to note is that Bacillus cereus does not need to be present in the food for the toxins to cause symptoms. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by identifying the toxin in a food sample or in biological specimens from the patient.