Infectious mononucleosis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Infectious mononucleosis | |||
| image = [[File:Lymphadenopathy.JPG|left|thumb|Lymphadenopathy in infectious mononucleosis]] | |||
| caption = Lymphadenopathy in infectious mononucleosis | |||
| synonyms = [[Mono]], [[glandular fever]], [[kissing disease]] | |||
| specialty = [[Infectious disease]], [[Hematology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Fever]], [[sore throat]], [[swollen lymph nodes]], [[fatigue]], [[headache]], [[rash]] | |||
| complications= [[Splenic rupture]], [[hepatitis]], [[hemolytic anemia]], [[thrombocytopenia]] | |||
| onset = Most common in [[adolescents]] and [[young adults]] | |||
| duration = 2 to 4 weeks | |||
| causes = [[Epstein-Barr virus]] (EBV) | |||
| risks = [[Close contact]], [[saliva]], [[sharing drinks]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Heterophile antibody test]], [[monospot test]], [[EBV serology]] | |||
| prevention = [[Avoiding contact]] with infected individuals | |||
| treatment = [[Rest]], [[hydration]], [[pain relievers]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good, with full recovery | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
'''Infectious mononucleosis''', also known as '''mono''' or the '''kissing disease''', is an illness caused by the [[Epstein-Barr virus]] (EBV), a member of the [[herpesvirus]] family. It is characterized by an increase in mononuclear white blood cells, swollen lymph nodes, and a range of other symptoms. Mono typically affects teenagers and young adults but can occur at any age. | '''Infectious mononucleosis''', also known as '''mono''' or the '''kissing disease''', is an illness caused by the [[Epstein-Barr virus]] (EBV), a member of the [[herpesvirus]] family. It is characterized by an increase in mononuclear white blood cells, swollen lymph nodes, and a range of other symptoms. Mono typically affects teenagers and young adults but can occur at any age. | ||
[[File:Cross_Reaction_Rash.JPG|Cross Reaction Rash|thumb]] | [[File:Cross_Reaction_Rash.JPG|Cross Reaction Rash|left|thumb]] | ||
[[File:Mononucleosis.JPG|Mononucleosis| | [[File:Mononucleosis.JPG|Mononucleosis|left|thumb]] | ||
[[File:Main_symptoms_of_Infectious_mononucleosis.png|Main_symptoms|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Main_symptoms_of_Infectious_mononucleosis.png|Main_symptoms|thumb]] | |||
== Signs and symptoms == | == Signs and symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis may vary, but common signs include: | The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis may vary, but common signs include: | ||
| Line 17: | Line 34: | ||
* Body aches | * Body aches | ||
Symptoms typically develop four to six weeks after exposure to the virus and may last for several weeks or months. | Symptoms typically develop four to six weeks after exposure to the virus and may last for several weeks or months. | ||
== Transmission == | == Transmission == | ||
EBV is primarily transmitted through saliva, which is why mono is often called the "kissing disease." However, the virus can also be spread through respiratory droplets, blood transfusions, and organ transplants. Once infected, a person can carry the virus for life, and it may reactivate at times, potentially spreading to others. | EBV is primarily transmitted through saliva, which is why mono is often called the "kissing disease." However, the virus can also be spread through respiratory droplets, blood transfusions, and organ transplants. Once infected, a person can carry the virus for life, and it may reactivate at times, potentially spreading to others. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a monospot test, can help confirm the diagnosis and detect the presence of EBV antibodies. | Diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a monospot test, can help confirm the diagnosis and detect the presence of EBV antibodies. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
There is no specific treatment for infectious mononucleosis, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Treatment primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and may include: | There is no specific treatment for infectious mononucleosis, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Treatment primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and may include: | ||
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== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
Although most people recover from mono without complications, some may develop serious issues, including: | Although most people recover from mono without complications, some may develop serious issues, including: | ||
* [[Splenomegaly]]: enlargement of the spleen, which can lead to rupture in rare cases | * [[Splenomegaly]]: enlargement of the spleen, which can lead to rupture in rare cases | ||
* [[Hepatitis]]: inflammation of the liver | * [[Hepatitis]]: inflammation of the liver | ||
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* [[Guillain-Barre syndrome]]: a rare neurological disorder causing muscle weakness and paralysis | * [[Guillain-Barre syndrome]]: a rare neurological disorder causing muscle weakness and paralysis | ||
* [[Hemolytic anemia]]: a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely | * [[Hemolytic anemia]]: a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of infectious mononucleosis is challenging, as the virus is widespread and can be transmitted by asymptomatic carriers. Practicing good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and avoiding sharing personal items like utensils, can help reduce the risk of infection. | Prevention of infectious mononucleosis is challenging, as the virus is widespread and can be transmitted by asymptomatic carriers. Practicing good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and avoiding sharing personal items like utensils, can help reduce the risk of infection. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Epstein-Barr virus]] | * [[Epstein-Barr virus]] | ||
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* [[Pharyngitis]] | * [[Pharyngitis]] | ||
[[Category:Viral diseases]] | [[Category:Viral diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
Revision as of 00:51, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Infectious mononucleosis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Mono, glandular fever, kissing disease |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Infectious disease, Hematology |
| Symptoms | Fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, rash |
| Complications | Splenic rupture, hepatitis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia |
| Onset | Most common in adolescents and young adults |
| Duration | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) |
| Risks | Close contact, saliva, sharing drinks |
| Diagnosis | Heterophile antibody test, monospot test, EBV serology |
| Differential diagnosis | N/A |
| Prevention | Avoiding contact with infected individuals |
| Treatment | Rest, hydration, pain relievers |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good, with full recovery |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono or the kissing disease, is an illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus family. It is characterized by an increase in mononuclear white blood cells, swollen lymph nodes, and a range of other symptoms. Mono typically affects teenagers and young adults but can occur at any age.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis may vary, but common signs include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat (pharyngitis)
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
- Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
- Rash
- Headache
- Body aches
Symptoms typically develop four to six weeks after exposure to the virus and may last for several weeks or months.
Transmission
EBV is primarily transmitted through saliva, which is why mono is often called the "kissing disease." However, the virus can also be spread through respiratory droplets, blood transfusions, and organ transplants. Once infected, a person can carry the virus for life, and it may reactivate at times, potentially spreading to others.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a monospot test, can help confirm the diagnosis and detect the presence of EBV antibodies.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for infectious mononucleosis, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Treatment primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and may include:
- Rest and hydration
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Throat lozenges or gargling with warm salt water for sore throat relief
- Avoiding contact sports and heavy lifting to prevent spleen rupture
Complications
Although most people recover from mono without complications, some may develop serious issues, including:
- Splenomegaly: enlargement of the spleen, which can lead to rupture in rare cases
- Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver
- Meningitis or encephalitis: inflammation of the brain or its surrounding tissues
- Guillain-Barre syndrome: a rare neurological disorder causing muscle weakness and paralysis
- Hemolytic anemia: a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely
Prevention
Prevention of infectious mononucleosis is challenging, as the virus is widespread and can be transmitted by asymptomatic carriers. Practicing good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and avoiding sharing personal items like utensils, can help reduce the risk of infection.
