Spore-forming bacilli are a group of bacteria that have the ability to form highly resistant, dormant structures called endospores, which can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as heat, radiation, and chemicals. These bacteria are typically Gram-positive and belong to the phylum Firmicutes.

Spore-forming bacilli are a diverse group of bacteria that play important roles in soil ecology, food production, and industrial processes. However, some species can also cause disease and pose a risk to human and animal health.

Some examples of spore-forming bacilli include Bacillus anthracis (the causative agent of anthrax), Bacillus cereus (which can cause food poisoning), Clostridium botulinum (which produces the deadly botulinum toxin), and Clostridium difficile (which can cause severe diarrhea).

These bacteria are important to study because of their ability to form spores, which allows them to persist in the environment and cause disease in humans and animals. Understanding the mechanisms behind spore formation and resistance can help in the development of new treatments and strategies to combat these bacteria.