Chromobacterium violaceum causing disseminated soft tissue and pulmonary abscesses in a traveller returning from the Azores

Access Microbiol. 2021 Aug 12;3(8):000251. doi: 10.1099/acmi.0.000251. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

This case report describes a 30-year-old male patient presenting with Chromobacterium violaceum cutaneous lesions who develops a subsequent bacteraemia, complicated by soft tissue and pulmonary abscesses. C. violaceum disease is a rare infection that can manifest in a spectrum from cutaneous lesions to disseminated disease and sepsis, the latter associated with high mortality. Although in the available literature there is a recommendation for a prolonged antibiotic course, we describe effective management with a shorter course of antibiotics. This case highlights the importance of not only considering a diagnosis of C. violaceum if there has been a high risk and appropriate exposure, but to also consider the changing epidemiology of the organism due to certain geographical areas becoming warmer due to climate change.

Keywords: antimicrobials; clinical microbiology; epidemiology; soft tissue infections; tropical diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports