Abstract

Chromobacterium violaceum is a Gram-negative bacterium that is an uncommon opportunistic pathogen of humans and animals. Infection is typically associated with exposure to contaminated soil or water in tropical climates. Reports of Chromobacterium violaceum infection in reptiles are scarce, and there are no records of infection in chelonians. Here we report the isolation of Chromobacterium violaceum from an adult, female, captive Macquarie turtle (Emydura macquarii) from temperate Australia. It is not known whether identification of Chromobacterium violaceum was incidental or whether infection played a role in disease. The source of the bacteria in this case could not be identified. Clinicians should include this pathogen in a list of differential diagnoses when presented with septicemic reptiles and should be aware of the potential human health risks.