Differential Diagnosis for Fever with Thrombocytopenia

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Viral Infections (e.g., Dengue Fever, Ebola): These infections are common causes of fever and thrombocytopenia due to the virus's effect on the bone marrow and the immune system's response.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Bacterial Sepsis: Sepsis can cause thrombocytopenia due to consumption of platelets and activation of the coagulation cascade.
• Malaria: Certain species of Plasmodium can cause thrombocytopenia, and the disease is characterized by recurrent fevers.
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (e.g., Lassa Fever, Marburg): Similar to dengue fever, these viruses can cause thrombocytopenia and fever.
• Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): A condition characterized by both clotting and bleeding, often resulting in thrombocytopenia and fever.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): A rare disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and renal failure, which can be fatal if not promptly treated.
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Similar to TTP, HUS is characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and renal failure, often following a bacterial infection.
• Severe Meningococcemia: Can cause thrombocytopenia, fever, and a rash, with a high mortality rate if not promptly treated.
• Leptospirosis: A zoonotic infection that can cause thrombocytopenia, fever, and renal or hepatic failure.

Rare Diagnoses

• Hantavirus: Can cause thrombocytopenia and fever, often with renal failure.
• Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis: Tick-borne illnesses that can cause thrombocytopenia and fever.
• Relapsing Fever (Borrelia): Characterized by recurrent fevers and can cause thrombocytopenia.
• Typhoid Fever: While not typically associated with thrombocytopenia, some cases can present with this finding, especially in the context of complications like DIC.