Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
06:04

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Published on: February 24, 2023

2.9K

Cutaneous and non-cutaneous diseases due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children

Hanna Lindemann1, Maximilian David Mauritz2, Victoria Rehmann2

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

Journal Der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG
|March 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children can cause serious skin and non-lung symptoms beyond pneumonia. This study details these extrapulmonary issues, aiding diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a frequent cause of respiratory infections in children and adolescents.
  • MP infections can extend beyond the respiratory tract, leading to various extrapulmonary manifestations.
  • These non-respiratory symptoms, including mucocutaneous, hematological, neurological, cardiac, and gastrointestinal issues, are often underrecognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the range of cutaneous and non-cutaneous diseases linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in pediatric populations.
  • To focus on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic strategies for MP-associated mucocutaneous manifestations.
  • To enhance awareness and understanding of the diverse clinical spectrum of MP infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children.
  • Analysis of clinical case reports and observational studies detailing extrapulmonary manifestations.
  • Focus on dermatological and related symptoms, including pathophysiology and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes a wide array of mucocutaneous conditions in children, such as erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and urticarial rashes.
  • Non-cutaneous manifestations include hematological abnormalities (anemia, thrombocytopenia), neurological complications (encephalitis, meningitis), cardiac involvement (myocarditis), and gastrointestinal disturbances.
  • The pathophysiology often involves immune-mediated responses to the infection.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections present a broad clinical spectrum in children, extending significantly beyond respiratory symptoms.
  • Recognizing and diagnosing extrapulmonary manifestations, particularly mucocutaneous conditions, is crucial for effective management.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and optimize treatment for these diverse presentations.
Keywords:
Mycoplasma pneumoniaeMycoplasma‐induced rash and mucositisStevens‐Johnson syndromeerythema multiformeerythema nodosumtoxic epidermal necrolysis

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

15.7K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.1K
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
5.9K
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
1.1K
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
3.7K
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
3.8K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
1.2K