This new species was previously known as Salmonella subgroup 5. It is a Gram negative rod-shaped bacterium which is associated with gastrointestinal disease called salmonellosis, characterized by cramping and diarrhea. Victims can be humans and other animals. The rods are straight and usually motile. Gas is produced when fermenting sugars, and hydrogen sulfide is frequently encountered. It is typically considered a microbe of cold-blooded animals, unlike other members of the genus, and is most frequently associated with reptiles. Growth occurs optimally at 35-37 C.