Chromobacterium violaceum causing community-acquired urinary tract infection

Abstract

Chromobacterium violaceum is an opportunistic pathogen in humans. Nearly 150 cases have been reported worldwide. The usual presentation is with an initial localized skin lesion and progression to multiple liver and lung abscesses and finally fatal septicemia. Progression is usually seen in immunocompromised individuals or when appropriate antimicrobial therapy was delayed. Mortality ranges up to 60% if not promptly treated. A 73-year-old male presented with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). His urine culture grew C. violaceum. Neither was he immunocompromised nor was he having any risk factor for this infection. He was not admitted in any hospital in the recent past. He did not have any urological intervention in the past. He was treated successfully with culture sensitive antibiotics. He responded well and he continues to be asymptomatic at 6 months of follow-up. The incidence of UTI by C. violaceum is on the rise. Only three cases of UTI caused by C. violaceum have been reported so far worldwide. This is the second case of symptomatic UTI caused by C. violaceum from the Indian subcontinent. The early recognition of this infection and prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotic go a long way in the prevention of sepsis and its associated morbidity.

Keywords

• Chromobacterium violaceum
• community acquired UTI
• urinary tract infection