Brief Answer: Can't comment w/t additional details + test report Detailed Answer: Hi there, Thanks for your query. Firstly, in order to PINPOINT the exact cause of your problems; give you a SOUND professional advice; and, TRUE VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY, I request you to kindly provide additional information as follows :- * Did you suffer from E.coli diarrhea, urinary infection or septicemia? * Did you have any transient complication of kidneys during E.coli infection? * Has your Hb been low (anemia) since several years? * What were the values of Hb%, Total Leukocyte count and Differential leukocyte count in the tests done for E.coli infection? * Have you been having frequent infections of different nature in the past? * Did you have any excessive bleeding tendency ( heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding from gums, nose, mouth or anus/in stools? * Have you ever had or have been having occasional red, pinhead size spots on the body? * Have you been on chronic treatment for any medical condition? If yes, please name the drugs. * Do you have any family history of low platelet count? PLEASE NOTE :- ANSWERES TO ALL OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED QUERIES, ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR ME TO REACH TO A DEFINITE CONCLUSION. Nevertheless,- till such time I received the additional information as requested- the possible causes (based on the information provided by you) of persisting low platelet count are:- # Infection-induced, particularly due to a specific strain of E.coli. # Fibrosis of the bone-marrow,- a condition in which, the bone marrow is destroyed and replaced by fibrous tissue. All blood cells, INCLUDING PLATELETS, are produced in the Bone marrow. # Drug-induced : Some drugs reduce the platelet counts. Withdrawal of the offending drug, reverts the platelet counts to normal levels. # A condition called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura- a condition, though being most commonly seen in early childhood, also occurs in adults, is associated with an underlying disorder; autoimmune disorders, particularly SLE and hepatitis C infections. At present, I cannot offer any comments on the possible cause, until I have the additional information as requested: AND, MRI + Bone marrow test reports. I would therefore recommend that- in addition to MRI and Bone marrow test- Peripheral Blood smear analysis should also be carried out. Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with my opinion; order required tests, and- based on the reports- will arrive at a certain diagnosis and prescribe suitable treatment as advised. In any case, I will be looking forward to receipt of the additional information; reports of MRI, Bone marrow test and Peripheral blood smear. Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Dr. Rakesh Karanwal

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