Infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease characterized by fever, fatigue, and sore throat. It also goes by an assortment of other names, such as Pfeiffer's disease, mono, kissing disease, and glandular fever. The most affected age groups are adolescents and young adults, although it can occur in patients of any age.
Symptoms
Infectious mononucleosis symptoms are numerous, and vary from case to case. Not every patient with mononucleosis will experience all of symptoms, or the same symptoms. Some common ones include:
Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes (Lymphadenopathy)
Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
Fatigue
Fever
Hepatitis (liver cell inflammation)
Jaundice
Malaise
Petechiae
Pharyngeal inflammation
Red blood cell bursting (hemolysis)
Sore throat
Weight loss
Less common signs and symptoms may include:
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Cold agglutinin disease (an autoimmune disease)
Erythema multiforme
Low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Low white blood cells (pancytopenia)
Pericarditis
Pneumonitis
Splenic hemorrhage
Splenic rupture
Upper airway obstruction
Causes
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). However, there are other forms of mononucleosis, such as cytomegalovirus mononucleosis, caused by CMV infection. Toxoplasmosis and viral hepatitis are considered by some as possible causes of infectious mononucleosis.
Diagnosis
Infectious mononucleosis diagnosis is given by a doctor or medical professional. A frequent diagnostic tool is whether at least 50% lymphocytes and 10% atypical lymphocytes are present, along with the symptoms of fever, lymphadenopathy, and pharyngitis. Blood tests (serological) are used in assistance to confirm the diagnosis.
However, there are also various other diseases and conditions that in certain ways mimic infectious mononucleosis. Amongst these are the common cold, the flu (influenza), cytomegalovirus, leukemia, acute HIV, toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii infection), and diphtheria. A differential diagnosis may be used to eliminate some or all of these other possibilities, or perhaps confirm one rather than the suspected infectious mononucleosis case.
Treatment
Most infectious mononucleosis treatments are symptomatic in nature, as the infection is normally self-limiting. Rest is suggested during the acute infection. Afterward, hard physical activity is not recommended for a minimum of one month, to help in avoiding splenic rupture.
For medications, NSAID-type pain relievers may be used. Antibiotics are not helpful against the virus, but may be useful in treating strep throat if a co-infection of streptococcal is present.
