Department Of Microbiology, Silchar Medical College, India

Department Of Microbiology, Silchar Medical College, India

Department Of Microbiology, Silchar Medical College, India
Chromobacterium violaceum ,violascein ,

Chromobacterium violaceum is a very rare human pathogen but can cause severe non-healing ulcers to lifethreatening sepsis with metastatic abscesses. The organism is a common soil and water inhabitant in tropical and subtropical areas. Fewer than 200 cases have been reported worldwide till date. Chromobacterium violaceum are long gram-negative bacilli. These are aerobic or facultatively anaerobic organisms, growing readily in 18 to 370c. Most strains of this organism produce violacein, a pigment insoluble in water and chloroform but soluble in ethanol. A 41years old male, farmer by occupation presented to surgery department of Silcahar Medical College & Hospital, with the chief complaints of a gradually progressive, non-healing, painful ulcer over the dorsum of foot for two weeks. On examination, a 8cmï‚´4cm ulcer was noted over the dorsum of the foot. Culture from the pus obtained from the ulcer yields growth of Chromobacterium violaceum. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The patient was prescribed meropenem. He improved subsequently clinically. Repeat culture did not reveal any growth.

6 , 7 , 2016