Bacillus Subtilis

Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium. It is a member of the genus Bacillus, which is a ubiquitous group of Gram-positive bacteria that are typically rod-shaped and either round or oval in shape. B. subtilis is the most abundant bacteria in soil, making up about half of the total bacterial mass. It has a catalase and oxidase system which allows it to decompose organic compounds and release hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct. It also has the ability to degrade many kinds of toxins. Bacillus subtilis is commonly found in raw milk and raw meat, but it can also grow in other environments, such as the digestive tract of humans and animals.