The genus Bacillus is an important class of microorganisms belonging to the kingdom Bacteria, phylum Firmicutes, class Bacillus, order Bacillales, family Bacillaceae. The genus Bacillus can be divided into several subgroups, mainly including the following:
- Bacillus polymyxa: a subgroup of the genus Bacillus.
- Bacillus subtilis: includes Bacillus cereus and Bacillus licheniformis.
- Bacillus brevis.
- Bacillus anthracis: pathogenic to humans and animals.
- Bacillus thuringiensis: commonly used in biopesticides.
- Bacillus coagulans: can be used as a probiotic.
- Bacillus larvae: a pathogen of specific insect groups.
- Bacillus lentus.
- Bacillus terrestris.
- Bacillus sphaericus.
- Bacillus thuringiensis: used in biopesticides.
These Bacillus are widely distributed in nature, with their main habitat being soil, but they are also found in decaying organic matter, dust, vegetables, water, crops, food, and the human intestine. The spores they form are resistant to heat, cold, and common disinfectants, which allows them to survive in a variety of environments.