This microbe is a Gram negative rod-shaped bacterium that is associated with the disease called typhoid fever, or “enteric fever”. Victims can be humans and other animals, and will suffer fever, malaise, headache and nausea, loss of appetite, and painful enlargement of the spleen. On occasion the systemic spread of the organism can lead to meningitis and other complications. The rods are straight and usually motile. Gas is not produced when fermenting sugars, but hydrogen sulfide is frequently encountered. Growth occurs optimally at 35-37 C. Because it can persist in an asymptomatic infection in some individuals, they can act as carriers to facilitate the spread of the organism via fecal-oral route. Contaminated foods and water also contribute to its spread.