A fatal case of Chromobacterium violaceum septicemia in Hong Kong.

Chromobacterium violaceum causes a rare infection in human, usually in tropical or subtropical areas. We report a fatal case of C. violaceum infection affecting a 40-year-old previously healthy man in Hong Kong. He presented with a wound infection and lymphadenitis. Despite multiple antibiotic treatment, including ciprofloxacin, he succumbed shortly after admission to the hospital. We report the epidemiological investigation findings and discuss the possible sources of infection. Physicians should be alert to this rare but fatal infection. Injury prevention and proper wound care should be emphasized to the public.