# Two Cases of Bacillus cereus Sepsis During Hospitalization for Hyperemesis Gravidarum

**Authors:** Megumi Shibata, Nobuko Sakai, Aya Masunaga, Shinichi Hoshi

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.87402 · Cureus · 2025-07-07

## TL;DR

Two pregnant women developed Bacillus cereus sepsis while being treated for severe hyperemesis gravidarum, highlighting the risk of opportunistic infections in this vulnerable group.

## Contribution

Reports two cases linking Bacillus cereus sepsis to hyperemesis gravidarum treatment, emphasizing the need for hygiene and monitoring.

## Key findings

- Two previously healthy pregnant women developed B. cereus sepsis during hyperemesis gravidarum treatment.
- B. cereus was identified from blood and catheter tip cultures, suggesting nosocomial transmission.
- The cases suggest that hyperemesis gravidarum may transiently compromise immunity.

## Abstract

We report two cases of Bacillus cereus sepsis in pregnant women hospitalized for severe hyperemesis gravidarum. Both patients were previously healthy and were admitted for the management of hyperemesis gravidarum. They received intravenous amino acid-containing infusions (e.g., Bfluid®) as part of standard supportive care. However, they subsequently developed sepsis within the same timeframe. B. cereus, which is resistant to heat and alcohol-based disinfectants, was identified from blood cultures and the catheter tip culture. These cases emphasize that severe hyperemesis gravidarum can induce a transient immunocompromised state, thereby increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Strict adherence to hygiene protocols and vigilant monitoring are essential to prevent nosocomial B. cereus infections in this vulnerable population.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** hyperemesis gravidarum (MONDO:0006791)
- **Species:** Bacillus cereus (taxon 1396)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** opportunistic infections (MESH:D009894), Hyperemesis Gravidarum (MESH:D006939), Sepsis (MESH:D018805)
- **Chemicals:** amino acid (MESH:D000596), Bfluid (-), alcohol (MESH:D000438)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Bacillus cereus (species) [taxon 1396]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

19 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12326162/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12326162