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Fatal Chromobacterium violaceum septicaemia
H Hassan1, S Suntharalingam, K S Dhillon
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Singapore Medical Journal
|October 1, 1993
Summary
A fatal case of Chromobacterium violaceum septicemia occurred in a young adult. This soil bacterium, often a contaminant, can cause severe infections requiring prompt recognition and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chromobacterium violaceum is a soil saprophyte.
- It is often mistaken for a culture contaminant.
- Recognizing its clinical significance is crucial for treatment.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old Malay male presented with a severe illness.
- The patient developed septicemia 11 days after illness onset.
- The causative agent was identified as Chromobacterium violaceum.
Findings:
- The patient succumbed to septicemia caused by Chromobacterium violaceum.
- This represents the first reported fatal case at University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur.
- The infection highlights the pathogenic potential of C. violaceum.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be aware of Chromobacterium violaceum's pathogenic potential.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy are essential for managing C. violaceum infections.
- This case underscores the importance of identifying C. violaceum in purulent processes.