key term - Chromobacterium violaceum

Definition

Chromobacterium violaceum is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium found in soil and water of tropical and subtropical regions. It is known for producing a violet pigment called violacein and can cause opportunistic infections in humans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chromobacterium violaceum primarily affects individuals with compromised immune systems.
2. Infections can lead to severe conditions such as sepsis, liver abscesses, and skin lesions.
3. The bacterium produces violacein, which has antimicrobial properties but also contributes to its pathogenicity.
4. Treatment often requires a combination of antibiotics due to the bacterium's resistance mechanisms.
5. First identified as a human pathogen in Malaysia in 1927, it remains rare but potentially fatal without prompt treatment.

Review Questions

Related terms

Opportunistic Pathogens:

Microorganisms that cause disease primarily in hosts with weakened immune systems.

Sepsis:

A life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection leading to tissue damage and organ failure.

Antibiotic Resistance:

The ability of bacteria to survive and propagate despite the presence of antibiotic drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth.