Mycoplasma pneumoniae and atypical Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a case series

Pediatrics. 2007 Apr;119(4):e1002-5. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-2401. Epub 2007 Mar 12.

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired respiratory illness in the adolescent population. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an extrapulmonary manifestation that has been associated with M. pneumoniae infections. Three adolescent males presented within a 1-month period with M. pneumoniae respiratory illnesses and severe mucositis but without the classic rash typical of Stevens-Johnson. Diagnosis was facilitated by the use of a polymerase chain reaction-based assay. This case series highlights the potential for M. pneumoniae-associated Stevens-Johnson syndrome to occur without rash and supports the use of polymerase chain reaction for early diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mouth Mucosa / microbiology
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Mucositis / drug therapy
  • Mucositis / microbiology*
  • Mucositis / physiopathology
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae / isolation & purification*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sampling Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / microbiology*
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • DNA, Bacterial