Brazilian purpuric fever

Brazilian purpuric fever (BPF) is a infectious disease that was first identified in the 1980s in Brazil. It is a severe and often fatal illness characterized by abrupt onset of high fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and purpuric skin lesions. The disease primarily affects children.

Etiology

Brazilian purpuric fever is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius (Hae). This bacterium is also associated with conjunctivitis, a common eye infection. It is believed that the bacterium enters the body through the eyes, then spreads through the bloodstream, causing the severe symptoms of BPF.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The initial symptoms of Brazilian purpuric fever include high fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Within a few days, the patient develops purpuric skin lesions, which are small, purple or red spots caused by bleeding into the skin. Other symptoms may include septicemia, meningitis, and pneumonia.

Diagnosis of BPF is based on clinical symptoms and confirmed by blood culture, which can identify the presence of H. influenzae biogroup aegyptius.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for Brazilian purpuric fever involves aggressive antibiotic therapy, usually with a combination of ceftriaxone and chloramphenicol. Despite treatment, the disease has a high mortality rate.

Prevention of BPF is difficult, as there is currently no vaccine available for H. influenzae biogroup aegyptius. Prevention strategies focus on early detection and treatment of conjunctivitis, which can prevent the bacterium from spreading to the bloodstream.

Epidemiology

Brazilian purpuric fever is rare and has been primarily reported in Brazil, although cases have also been reported in other countries. The disease primarily affects children between the ages of 3 and 10.

See also

• Purpura
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Infectious disease