Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced mucositis mimicking herpetic gingivostomatitis

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM) is a severe and uncommon disease in the pediatric population characterized by predominant mucosal involvement, limited cutaneous manifestations, and systemic prodromal symptoms. However, infection by this pathogen is common in this age group. Its clinical presentation may mimic more frequent conditions, such as herpetic gingivostomatitis in milder cases, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome in more severe presentations. We report a case of an 8-year-old boy presenting with fever and oral and periocular vesicular lesions, initially diagnosed as herpetic gingivostomatitis, who subsequently exhibited an unfavorable clinical course. The etiological investigation confirmed Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Early recognition of this condition is essential in the primary care setting.