Infection causes famous Brazilian model's limbs to be amputated

Mariana Bridi da Costa was sedated in a hospital in Serra, in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, and on artificial respiration following the procedures, according to several newspapers.

Bridi was diagnosed with a infection by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium, which can often prove fatal.

Septicemia set in in her limbs, cutting off circulation and forcing doctors to amputate.

Her boyfriend, Thiago Simoes, told the G1 news website that Bridi fell ill on December 30, but was initially misdiagnosed with kidney stones.

The infection quickly spread, causing her to go back to hospital for tests that revealed her condition. Surgeons had to act to remove her damaged hands and feet.

Her father, Agnaldo da Costa, told the Folha de S Paulo newspaper that "the concern is over her life".

Bridi twice made it into the national finals for the Miss World contest, and last year travelled to China to participate in the Miss Bikini International pageant.