Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae: An Outbreak in Colorado

Do these cases represent a distinct mucocutaneous disorder or SJS associated with an infection?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) are organisms responsible for an atypical pneumonitis known commonly as “walking pneumonia.” Although Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) has been causally linked to Mp infection, recent findings suggest that Mp-induced rash and mucositis is a distinct syndrome from SJS (J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 72:239).

These authors describe an outbreak of SJS among children in Colorado between September and November 2013. They identified eight patients with SJS (per ICD-9 coding) and a skin rash at two or more mucosal sites in association with definite or probable Mp infection. Five patients had confirmed Mp infection; two had received azithromycin and/or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Testing for herpes simplex virus infection was n…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)