Immune thrombocytopenic purpura associated with brucellosis case report and review of the litterature

A case of severe thrombocytopenic purpura as the sole manifestation of brucellosis in an eight-year-old boy is presented. Clinical examination revealed mucosal hemorrhages and splenomegaly. The initial diagnosis was immune thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP] and he received intravenous gamma globulins and steroids with good hematologic and clinical response. His brucella agglutination titer was positive and he received treatment with intravenous gentamicin and oral co-trimoxazole with good response. Although mild hematologic manifestations can be encountered in brucellosis, severe thrombocytopenia is rare. Prompt recognition of this association is essential for early therapy. A brief review of thrombo- cytopenic purpura associated with brucellosis is presented