Brazilian purpuric fever
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| Brazilian purpuric fever Classification and external resources |
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| ICD-10 | A48.4 |
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Brazilian purpuric fever (BPF) is an illness of children caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius which causes fulminant sepsis. It is mainly known from Brazil but there have been recorded cases in Australia.
The causative bacterium is a gram-negative coccobacillus that usually causes conjunctivitis in the tropics. By as yet uncertain means the conjunctivitis can be the focus of bacteremia and thus invasive disease. Brazilian purpuric fever is similar to meningococcemia in presentation. Prostrating high fevers and chills, vomiting and gastrointestinal complaints progress rapidly to extensive purpura, septic shock and acidosis. Meningitis does not occur.
Diagnosis is made upon isolation of the bacterium from blood. Treatment is with ampicillin plus chloramphenicol until sensitivities are known. The mortality rate is around 70% even with therapy.
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