chromobacteriosis /krō′məbaktir′ē·ō″sis/ , an extremely rare, usually fatal systemic infection caused by a gram-negative bacillus Chromobacterium violaceum. It is found in fresh water in tropic and subtropic regions and enters the body through a break in the skin. The disease is characterized by sepsis, multiple liver abscesses, and severe prostration. Early diagnosis, surgical drainage of abscesses, and administration of chloramphenicol markedly improve the chance of survival.
