Human Chromobacterium violaceum infection in Southeast Asia: case reports and literature review

Abstract

Chromobacterium violaceum infection in humans is a rare tropical and subtropical disease. The awareness of this organism is limited in spite its ubiquitous distribution. Several cases have been reported from Southeast Asia. A localized infection followed by an overwhelming septicemia and metastatic lesions is the usual pattern of this illness. Optimal antimicrobial treatment and duration are unknown. Consequently, the outcome is usually fatal. The study reported two patients who suffered from fulminant Chromobacterium violaceum sepsis with disseminated infection, and reviews the literature for cases reported from Southeast Asia.