Anti-Infection Experience Analysis of a Patient with Bacillus cereus Lung Empyema Diagnosed by Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS)

Bacillus cereus is an aerobic, Gram-positive bacterium widely present in soil and food, causing human infections primarily through foodborne diseases, manifesting as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. There are rare reports of it causing pulmonary infections domestically and internationally. This paper reports a case of lung empyema caused by Bacillus cereus diagnosed with the aid of targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS) technology. We retrospectively analyzed the diagnosis and treatment process of the patient and reviewed literature to enhance our understanding and treatment level of such diseases. Currently, there is no standard anti-infection treatment plan for lung empyema caused by Bacillus cereus. Clinical physicians, by understanding the epidemiological characteristics of this bacterium, consulting relevant literature, and combining the patient's clinical condition, tests, and related etiological results, adjusted the antimicrobial treatment to effectively control and treat the infection focus.