AUTHOR=Wang Xueqing , Tu Yunliang , Chen Yingqun , Yang Huilin , Luo Minghua , Li Yanyan , Huang Lei , Luo Hua 

TITLE=Critical bloodstream infection caused by Chromobacterium violaceum: a case report in a 15-year-old male with sepsis-induced cardiogenic shock and purpura fulminans

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1342706

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2024.1342706

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Chromobacterium violaceum</italic> (<italic>C. violaceum</italic>) is a gram-negative bacillus that is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. Although <italic>C. violaceum</italic> rarely infects humans, it can cause critical illness with a mortality rate above 50%. Here, we report the successful treatment of a 15-year-old male who presented with bloodstream infection of <italic>C. violaceum</italic> along with sepsis, specific skin lesions, and liver abscesses. Cardiogenic shock induced by sepsis was reversed by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). Moreover, <italic>C. violaceum</italic>-related purpura fulminans, which is reported herein for the first time, was ameliorated after treatment. This case report demonstrates the virulence of <italic>C. violaceum</italic> with the aim of raising clinical awareness of this disease.</p>