Liver abscesses by Chromobacterium violaceum: a case report of a rare disease

Abstract

IntroductionChromobacterium violaceum is a Gram-negative bacillus often found in soil and water of tropical and subtropical regions. Human infection by this bacterium is rare; however, when it occurs, it is associated with high mortality rates if not diagnosed or treated correctly or early enough. Systemic clinical symptoms include sepsis and visceral abscesses in the liver. The combination of percutaneous drainage of abscesses and systemic antibiotic therapy remains the most common treatment. Currently, it is believed that diagnosis via computed tomography scan and ultrasound-guided aspiration must be done before beginning antibiotic therapy. This report discusses liver abscesses by Chromobacterium violaceum. Case reportWe report a case of C. violaceum infection in Brazil in a patient who had rapid evolution of signs and multiple liver abscesses. Treatment consisted of interventional radiology and ciprofloxacin without the need for surgical intervention. ConclusionLiver abscesses caused by C. violaceum can cause high mortality rates if not treated correctly. Early diagn-osis will allow less painful drainage and antibiotics will help manage this infection effectively.

Pyogenic Liver Abscess: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management

“…It is a very harmful disease, always fatal without treatment. Mortality can vary between 5,6-80% 10 , 13 . A series published in 1938, showed mortality of 60-80% 9 .…”

“…Antibiotics, interventional radiology, and surgical therapy can be used, combined or as a single therapy. However, the combination of interventional radiology (aspiration or drainage) with antibiotics has shown better results in hospitalization, morbidity, mortality and complications 5 , 13 .…”

Guava Leaf Extract Inhibits Quorum-Sensing and Chromobacterium violaceum Induced Lysis of Human Hepatoma Cells: Whole Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Differential Gene Expression

“…In human, C. violaceum infection is rare, but this may be attributed to under-reporting of such cases in areas where the risks of exposure are high and diagnostic facilities are scarce [11]. In spite of this, more than 150 cases of infection were reported in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, where C. violaceum is normally found [12].…”

Review on Chromobacterium violaceum, a Rare but Fatal Bacteria Needs Special Clinical Attention

“…The most common symptoms of C. violaceum infections were fever, pain over the infected site associated with various skin lesions, abdominal pain, abscesses in various organs like liver, skin, lungs, lymph nodes and brain and rapid progression to sepsis. 31,47,55 It is also worth noting that the clinical symptoms of C. violaceum infection may not occur immediately after specific exposure to water or soil; instead, they may occur 60 days after exposure. The clinical spectrum of C. violaceum infection includs urinary tract infection, pneumonia, gastrointestinal infection, localized cutaneous lesions, localized or metastatic abscesses, osteomyelitis, meningitis, peritonitis, brain abscess, endocarditis, hemophagocytic syndrome, respiratory distress syndrome and fulminant sepsis.…”