Erythema multiforme associated with an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae function.
OBJECTIVE
To document the association between erythema multiforme and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.


METHODS
All cases of erythema multiforme presenting to the dermatology department of Waikato Hospital over the summer of 1992/3 were tested for mycoplasma serology. Trends in recorded cases of M pneumoniae infection were examined from data supplied by the virology department of Waikato Hospital.


RESULTS
Four of seven cases of erythema multiforme were due to M pneumoniae infection. This was associated with a marked local increase in the number of M pneumoniae infections recorded in our hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
Mycoplasma serology is an important investigation in the management of erythema multiforme, especially when associated with an outbreak of M pneumoniae infections.
Salmon
P
P
Waikato Hospital, Hamilton.
Rademaker
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000382:microbiology*; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D011019:Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004917:Erythromycin; D013752:Tetracycline