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

Karen A Ravin1, Lara D Rappaport, Noel S Zuckerbraun

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2583, USA. karen.ravin@chp.edu

Pediatrics
|March 14, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome in adolescents, sometimes without the typical rash. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) aids early diagnosis of this respiratory illness complication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of respiratory infections in adolescents.
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe mucocutaneous reaction that can be triggered by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
  • The classic presentation of SJS includes a characteristic rash, which may not always be present.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a series of adolescent males with Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated respiratory illness and severe mucositis.
  • To highlight the occurrence of SJS-like symptoms without the typical rash in these patients.
  • To emphasize the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.

Main Methods:

  • Case series review of three adolescent males presenting with respiratory symptoms and mucositis.
  • Diagnostic workup included identification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
  • Utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for pathogen detection.

Main Results:

  • All three patients had Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory infections.
  • All presented with severe mucositis but lacked the classic rash of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) facilitated timely diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae can induce Stevens-Johnson syndrome in adolescents presenting with severe mucositis but without a rash.
  • Early diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is crucial for managing associated complications.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a valuable tool for rapid and accurate diagnosis in suspected cases.

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