Klebsiella-induced purpura fulminans in a Nigerian child: Case report and a review of Literature

Purpura fulminans (PPF) is a very sever but rare acute thrombohaemorrhagic illness of infants and young children. It occurs mainly, in patients with either congenital or acquired deficiencies of proteins C and S and antithrombin III. Features of PPF include disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, symmetrical necrotic pupura and / or ecchymoses and symmetrical peripheral gangrene; digital and / or limb(s) amputations and end-organ failure(s) may also occur. The case of a 3.5year old Nigerian girl, who developed PPF following Klebsiella-rhinoscleromatis septicaemia is reported to illustrate the seriousness of the disease and the need for early diagnosis and management.