This microbe is a straight Gram Negative rod that uses urea and produces hydrogen sulfide. It produces gas from glucose. Growth is best at 35-37 C. It is pathogenic, occurring in the intestines of humans and many animals, and in polluted soils and waters. It can cause bladder and kidney infections and the resulting alkalinity of the urine might contribute to formation of bladder or kidney stones. So it is a formidable initiator of urinary tract infections and can also cause infections of wounds, the blood, and lungs, particularly in hospitalized patients.