This short, straight rod occurs singly, in pairs, and in short chains. It is nonmotile. Gram reaction is negative. Gas is produced from sugars; hydrogen sulfide is not produced. It is an opportunistic pathogen found in feces of man and animals without any symptoms of disease, and in water, sewage, soil, and food. One disease of significance caused by this microbe is rhinoscleroma, a chronic inflammation of the nasopharynx. Growth is at 35-37 C.