A 20-year-old model who was a finalist to represent Brazil in the Miss World contest has had her hands and feet amputated after contracting a severe urinary infection.

Mariana Bridi da Costa was sedated in a hospital in Serra, in Brazil's southeastern state of Espirito Santo, and on artificial respiration following the procedures, according to local media reports.

Bridi was diagnosed with an infection by the Pseudomonas aeroginosa 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 traveled to China to participate in the Miss Bikini International paegant, G1 said.