Chromobacterium violaceum infection of the eye. A report of two cases.

We report what we believe to be the first two known cases of Chromobacterium violaceum infection of the eye. One patient had conjunctivitis as the initial manifestation of an ultimately fatal infection. In the second patient, who suffered from chronic granulomatous disease of childhood, orbital cellulitis developed as part of a disseminated C violaceum infection from which he subsequently recovered. Infections caused by C violaceum may involve the eye and orbit. These infections are frequently fatal, but early recognition and aggressive treatment may result in a higher cure rate.