Which infection is commonly associated with precipitating erythema multiforme?

Which infection is commonly associated with precipitating erythema multiforme?

• A. Streptococcus pyogenes
• B. Herpes simplex virus
• C. Candida albicans
• D. HIV infection

Answer: (B)

Erythema multiforme is an acute, immune-mediated reaction of the skin that is often triggered by infections or drugs. The infection most commonly linked to precipitating erythema multiforme is herpes simplex virus, especially in recurrent cases. Reactivation of HSV appears to prompt a targeted immune response that leads to the characteristic lesions, typically on the acral surfaces and sometimes involving mucosa. This strong association is why preventing HSV reactivation (for example, with antiviral prophylaxis) can reduce EM recurrences. Streptococcal infections can trigger EM rarely, but not as commonly as HSV. Candida albicans and HIV infection are not classic, well-established precipitants of erythema multiforme, though HIV can be associated with various skin eruptions in different contexts.

Erythema multiforme is an acute, immune-mediated reaction of the skin that is often triggered by infections or drugs. The infection most commonly linked to precipitating erythema multiforme is herpes simplex virus, especially in recurrent cases. Reactivation of HSV appears to prompt a targeted immune response that leads to the characteristic lesions, typically on the acral surfaces and sometimes involving mucosa. This strong association is why preventing HSV reactivation (for example, with antiviral prophylaxis) can reduce EM recurrences.

Streptococcal infections can trigger EM rarely, but not as commonly as HSV. Candida albicans and HIV infection are not classic, well-established precipitants of erythema multiforme, though HIV can be associated with various skin eruptions in different contexts.