Background
Microbiology
- Gram-negative bacterium
- Colonies are deep purple to black due to the presence of the violacein pigment
- Found in water
Epidemiology
- Mostly tropical or subtropical areas, especially southeast Asia
- Also in southeast US, most commonly Florida
- CGD is a risk factor for opportunistic infection, as is G6PD deficiency
Clinical Manifestations
- Causes wound infections following contaminated water exposure
- Always with systemic features, including fever (100%) and sepsis (82%)
- Often bacteremia (60%) and can involve visceral organs (51%), especially lung and liver
- High mortality (53%)
Differential Diagnosis
- Includes other causes of skin and soft tissue infection after water exposure
- Common bugs: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, other streptococci, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and polymicrobial infections
- Uniquely marine bacteria: Aeromonas, Vibrio vulnificus, Shewanella, Edwardsiella, Chromobacterium
- Others: Burkholderia pseudomallei, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and some fungi
Management
Further Reading
