A Case of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura After Rabies Vaccination

We describe a case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) occurring 15 days after the first dose of a 4-dose rabies vaccination series. ITP is thought to be an immune-mediated process triggered by an infection or toxin. There is little evidence in the literature beyond case reports of an association of ITP with vaccines other than with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. This is the third reported case of ITP associated with rabies vaccination. Because of the rare occurrence of this adverse event relative to the severity of rabies infection, the benefits of rabies vaccination, when indicated, outweigh the low and possible risk of ITP.