A 38-year-old man from Beirut left doctors baffled after appearing to contract food poisoning in his penis following a bout of severe gastrointestinal distress. The man sought medical attention after experiencing redness, swelling, and scabbing on his genitals for nearly a week. Doctors at the American University of Beirut Medical Center discovered the presence of the bacteria Bacillus cereus through a swab test of the affected area. This bacterium is commonly associated with food poisoning, particularly from rice left at room temperature.
The unusual infection likely occurred due to a combination of severe diarrhea and vomiting, coupled with vigorous sexual activity with his wife just before his symptoms started. The physical strain and gastrointestinal symptoms may have allowed the bacteria to enter through microtears or damaged blood vessels in the genital area. Doctors noted that this is the first recorded instance of Bacillus cereus being identified in the genital region.
The patient was treated with a topical antibiotic and advised to maintain proper hygiene while abstaining from sexual activity until fully healed. A month after treatment, he reported a full recovery with no recurring symptoms. This case was documented in the journal Annals of Medicine and Surgery, highlighting the unique nature of this bacterial infection.
