Gram-negative

rod-shaped, Bacilli

 It is found in soil, water, skin flora, and most man-made environments throughout the world. It thrives not only in normal atmospheres, but also in low-oxygen atmospheres, thus has colonized many natural and artificial environments.

Because it thrives on moist surfaces, this bacterium is also found on and in medical equipment, including catheters, causing cross-infections in hospitals and clinics.

The organism is considered opportunistic and is not extremely virulent in comparison with other major pathogenic bacterial species