A Rare Immune Thrombocytopenia Caused by Brucellosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune disorder characterized by accelerated platelet destruction. It is occasionally associated with accompanying infections. Here we report a case of acute brucellosis that presented with immune thrombocytopenia. A 73-year-old woman who worked in animal husbandry was admitted to the emergency department with a 3-month history of left-sided lower back pain. She had no history of hemorrhage. Her platelet count was found to be very low. Immune thrombocytopenia diagnosis was established, and methylprednisolone treatment was initiated. Subsequently, Brucella melitensis growth detected in blood culture. She responded well to rifampicin plus doxycycline treatment along with corticosteroids. In conclusion, we suggest that physicians remain alert for brucellosis in subjects with thrombocytopenia involved in animal husbandry.

Keywords

• purpura
• thrombocytopenic
• idiopathic
• brucellosis
• animal husbandry
• case report