Chromobacterium violaceum

Gram Stain

• Gram negative bacilli/cocci medium sized (facultative anaerobic)

Clinical Significance

This organism is found in soil and water environments of tropical and subtropical regions.

It is associated with wound infections following traumatic skin exposure and can lead to septic shock with metastatic abscesses (liver/lung/spleen). It has been associated with urinary tract infections, orbital cellulitis, osteomyelitis, brain abscesses, and meningitis.

Infections are more common in children and patients with chronic granulomatous disease.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

This organism is susceptible to ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines, and TMP/SMX.

It is resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins (including ceftriaxone and ceftazidime).

It is typically susceptible to carbapenems and has variable susceptibility to aminoglycosides.