FORT BRAGG FEVER PRESENTING WITH MULTI-ORGAN DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME (MODS): A RARE CASE REPORT

Abstract

Background: Fort Bragg fever is an uncommon infectious illness which has previously been reported as an acute febrile disease with symptoms and signs such as fever, Headache, myalgia and malaise, as well as Skin lesions. It is usually a benign disease without significant systemic manifestation. However, it very rarely may result in the multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which is of high diagnostic and management concern. Case Presentation : A 42-year-old male agriculture worker was diagnosed to have high-grade fever, generalised weakness, diffuse erythematous rash, myalgias, worsening breathlessness, and decreased urine output. On examination, he had hypotension, hypoxia, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury, liver dysfunction, coagulopathy, and raised inflammatory markers. Imaging revealed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates in keeping with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Investigations for the common tropical, bacterial and viral diseases by microbiologic and serologic methods were all negative. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays for specific Bartonella-like organisms gave results consistent with acute infection resembling Fort Bragg fever. He was managed with antibiotics, critical care support, mechanical ventilatory support, vasopressor use and renal replacement therapy. His condition steadily improved and he made a complete recovery. Conclusion : This case highlights a rare and severe presentation of Fort Bragg fever complicated by multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Early recognition, exclusion of alternative diagnoses, and timely initiation of targeted therapy are crucial for improving outcomes. The report expands the limited clinical literature on Fort Bragg fever and emphasizes the need to consider rare infectious etiologies in patients presenting with unexplained severe febrile illness and organ dysfunction.