Azithromycin-induced rash in infectious mononucleosis

Ghenwa K Dakdouki1, Khalil H Obeid, Souha S Kanj

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.

Insights

Antibiotic-induced skin rash is common with infectious mononucleosis. This report details a rare case of azithromycin-induced rash, highlighting the need for awareness in clinical practice.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antibiotic-induced skin eruptions are frequently observed in patients with infectious mononucleosis.
  • The underlying mechanisms for these reactions remain poorly understood.
  • Penicillins are the most commonly implicated antibiotic class.

Observation:

  • This case report describes a patient experiencing a skin eruption during infectious mononucleosis treatment.
  • The patient was treated with azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic.
  • This represents the second documented instance of azithromycin-induced skin eruption in this clinical context.

Findings:

  • The skin lesions observed were non-specific in nature.
  • The patient's reaction was attributed to azithromycin, despite its rarity.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider azithromycin as a potential cause of skin eruptions in patients with infectious mononucleosis.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of antibiotic-induced rashes in mononucleosis.
  • Increased awareness may improve diagnosis and patient management.

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