Brazilian purpuric fever (BPF) is a bacterial infection caused by gram-negative Haemophilus aegyptius, a rare invasive subtype of Haemophilus influenzae. The illness exclusively occurs in children. BPF has primarily been documented in Brazil, although outbreaks have occurred in other countries such as the United States and Australia.
H aegyptius usually causes a self-limiting purulent conjunctivitis in hot climate areas. BPF symptoms begin 1-2 weeks after an episode of purulent conjunctivitis, with high fever, abdominal pain, and purpura resembling fulminant meningococcemia. The illness can quickly progress to septic shock and death. Without treatment, mortality rate is about 70% and most patients die within 24 hours. However, if treated with antibiotics before the development of later symptoms, patients have an improved chance of survival.
BPF was first recognized in 1984, and no major outbreaks have been reported since 1990; sporadic cases were reported in 2007 with 7 cases without confirmation of H aegyptius.
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Brazilian purpuric fever
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Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
A48.4 – Brazilian purpuric fever
SNOMEDCT:
8554002 – Brazilian purpuric fever
A48.4 – Brazilian purpuric fever
SNOMEDCT:
8554002 – Brazilian purpuric fever
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Last Reviewed:10/20/2019
Last Updated:08/13/2019
Last Updated:08/13/2019