[5] In 2013, the complete genome of an A. xylosoxidans strain from a patient with cystic fibrosis was sequenced.

It is motile, with peritrichous flagella that distinguish it from Pseudomonas species, and is oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, and citrate-positive.

It produces acid oxidatively from xylose, but not from lactose, maltose, mannitol, or sucrose.

[7] Originally isolated from patients with otitis media,[7] A. xylosoxidans has since been periodically described as a pathogen of humans.

[3][9] Infection is sometimes associated with underlying immunodeficiency, including immunoglobulin M deficiency, various cancer chemotherapies, inhaled steroids, surgical procedures, prolonged or broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment for other infections,[3] and cystic fibrosis.