A probable case of Chromobacterium violaceum infection in Australia

A case of a north-Queensland Aboriginal child, who died of a septicaemic illness probably caused by Chromobacterium violaceum, is reported. This organism is a Gram-negative bacillus found in soil and water. Human and animal infections are very rare, but have been reported from various tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Most of these have been fatal, although survival after recognition, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention has also been reported.