Persistent B-cell lymphopenia, multiorgan disease, and erythema multiforme caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Pediatr Dermatol. 2005 Nov-Dec;22(6):558-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2005.00140.x.

Abstract

We report a 6-year-old girl in whom Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection presenting with erythema multiforme, multiorgan, and hematologic dysfunctions induced a long-standing, marked B-cell lymphopenia. An increase of CD8+ lymphocytes was also detected. We suggest that a selective cytotoxic T lymphocyte-dependent B cell lysis and the expansion of super-antigen activated CD8+ T cells may account for the multiorgan and hematologic disturbances triggered by M. pneumoniae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Bacteremia / complications*
  • Bacteremia / diagnosis
  • Bacteremia / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Erythema Multiforme / etiology*
  • Erythema Multiforme / physiopathology
  • Erythema Multiforme / therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphopenia / drug therapy
  • Lymphopenia / etiology*
  • Lymphopenia / physiopathology
  • Multiple Organ Failure / etiology*
  • Multiple Organ Failure / physiopathology
  • Multiple Organ Failure / therapy
  • Mycoplasma Infections / complications*
  • Mycoplasma Infections / diagnosis
  • Mycoplasma Infections / drug therapy
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae / isolation & purification*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Acetaminophen
  • Clarithromycin
  • Prednisone