Fatal <it>Chromobacterium violaceum </it>septicaemia in northern Laos, a modified oxidase test and post-mortem forensic family G6PD analysis

• Main Authors: Mayxay Mayfong (Author), Moore Catrin E (Author), Sengduangphachanh Amphonesavanh (Author), Vongsouvath Manivanh (Author), Silisouk Joy (Author), Inthalad Saythong (Author), Douangdala Phouvieng (Author), Slesak Günther (Author), Matsuoka Hiroyuki (Author), Newton Paul N (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2009-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Chromobacterium violaceum </it>is a Gram negative facultative anaerobic bacillus, found in soil and stagnant water, that usually has a violet pigmented appearance on agar culture. It is rarely described as a human pathogen, mostly from tropical and subtropical areas.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 53 year-old farmer died with <it>Chromobacterium violaceum </it>septicemia in Laos. A modified oxidase method was used to demonstrate that this violacious organism was oxidase positive. Forensic analysis of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase genotypes of his family suggest that the deceased patient did not have this possible predisposing condition.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>C. violaceum </it>infection should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with community-acquired septicaemia in tropical and subtropical areas. The apparently neglected but simple modified oxidase test may be useful in the oxidase assessment of other violet-pigmented organisms or of those growing on violet coloured agar.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1476-0711-8-24
1476-0711