The Association of Psoriasis and Bacterial Infections in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Guttate psoriasis onset and plaque psoriasis flares are associated with streptococcal pharyngitis. Literature regarding the relationship between anogenital bacterial dermatitis and psoriasis in pediatric patients is limited. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, microbiology, and treatment course of patients with psoriasis/psoriasiform dermatitis and concomitant pharyngeal and/or anogenital bacterial infections.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective review of patients ≤ 18 years of age with psoriasis/psoriasiform dermatitis and bacterial infection, defined by positive culture results, was performed. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, microbiology, treatment recommendations, and outcomes were evaluated. Comparisons were made between pharyngeal and anogenital culture groups.

RESULTS

A total of 166 unique patients with psoriasis/psoriasiform dermatitis and suspected pharyngeal and/or anogenital infection were evaluated between 2011 and 2021. Staphylococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. were isolated in anogenital cultures. Inverse psoriasis was associated with a positive anogenital culture (p = 0.0356). Guttate psoriasis was more common in patients with a positive pharyngeal culture (p < 0.0001). Treatment of a positive bacterial culture did not correlate with the treatment response of psoriasis/psoriasiform dermatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigations for anogenital and pharyngeal infections should be considered in pediatric patients presenting with new-onset or worsening psoriasis. A high clinical suspicion should be maintained for anogenital infection in patients with inverse psoriasis, specifically.