Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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Which organism is known to cause erythema multiforme?

Strep. Pyogenes
Mycoplasma
Staphylococcus Epidermidis
Escherichia Coli

The correct answer is: Mycoplasma

Erythema multiforme is often associated with infectious agents, with mycoplasma being one of the notable causes. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, in particular, is a common culprit and is known to trigger erythema multiforme, especially in younger populations. This condition is characterized by target-like lesions on the skin and is a hypersensitivity response that occurs following an infection. The mechanism involves an immune response to the pathogen which results in the characteristic skin changes. The other organisms mentioned are less commonly associated with erythema multiforme. Strep. pyogenes is primarily known for causing pharyngitis and skin infections, while Staphylococcus epidermidis is mainly associated with opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Escherichia coli is a common cause of gastrointestinal infections and urinary tract infections but doesn’t have a direct link to erythema multiforme. Thus, mycoplasma’s role in infectious-related skin reactions makes it the correct answer.