Mycoplasma-pneumonia-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome in an adult: a case report

Abstract

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome epitomizes an acute, exceptionally rare, and capricious immunological phenomenon marked by potentially life-threatening skin reactions, involvement of mucous membranes, and concomitant systemic manifestations. Most cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been attributed to being triggered by drugs, while a minority have implicated infectious agents such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Coxsackie virus A6 as their cause. We present a case report on the rare occurrence of Mycoplasma-pneumoniae-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in a 25-year-old Sri Lankan male adult. Case presentation: A 25-year-old Sri Lankan male adult sought medical attention at our institution, presenting a constellation of symptoms composed of fever with chills, dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, cough producing reddish sputum, and sore throat, persisting over a 4-day period; 2 days following the onset of the respiratory symptoms, he experienced ocular congestion with purulent discharge and painful oral lesions. He had associated generalized body ache and fatigue. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is diagnosed by skin biopsy. Conclusion: Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an acute and debilitating condition that requires prompt and timely management to ensure minimum morbidity of the patient. The similarities and overlap of features between Stevens-Johnson syndrome caused due to infectious and drug-related etiologies pose a diagnostic challenge for the physicians, which needs to be subdued using systematic research and evaluation with subsequent formulation of an evidence-based assessment and management plan to ensure safe and efficacious medical care for the patients.