A genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria (family Enterobacteriaceae) containing motile, peritrichous, nonencapsulated rods. The type species is E. tarda, which is occasionally isolated from the stools of both healthy humans and those with diarrhea, from the blood of humans and other animals, and from human urine. E. tarda is an etiologic agent of gastroenteritis in humans. The two other species in this genus are E. hoshinae and E. ictaluri.
* * *
Ed·ward·si·el·la (ed-wahrd″se-elґə) [Philip R. Edwards, American bacteriologist, 1901–1966] a genus of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae, consisting of small rods that are mostly motile with peritrichous flagella. The organisms are pathogenic for aquatic animals and an occasional opportunistic pathogen for humans. The type species is E. tarґda.Medical dictionary. 2011.