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Mononucleosis is a common viral infection that mainly affects adolescents and young adults. In this article, we'll take a closer look at infectious mononucleosis, including its causes, modes of transmission, characteristic symptoms, diagnostic methods, and available treatment options.
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Mononucleosis , also called “mono”, is a contagious disease characterized by fever, extreme fatigue, sore throat and enlarged cervical lymph nodes.
It corresponds to the symptomatic primary infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, also called EBV or HHV-4, which belongs to the herpes virus family.
Mono occurs most often in adolescents and young adults, more than 90% of the world's adult population are HIV positive. However, you can catch it at any age.
Mononucleosis gets its name because the virus causes an overgrowth of monocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood.
Note: The Epstein-Barr virus is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease.
Although the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of mononucleosis, there are other viruses and infections that can cause similar symptoms. These include:
This virus is very contagious, typically it spreads through bodily fluids, especially saliva hence the name kissing disease. But also by:
People with mononucleosis can be contagious from the time they are first infected before symptoms appear (incubation period is 4-6 weeks before symptoms appear) .
Infections during childhood are often silent or benign, whereas in the rare people who acquire the infection for the first time beyond their 30th year, the symptomatology is atypical and can cause significant morbidity.
The symptoms of mononucleosis can develop slowly, may not all occur at the same time, and each person may experience them differently:
Other less common symptoms: swollen eyes, nausea, sensitivity to light, chest pain and difficulty breathing.
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People with weakened immune systems may develop more serious symptoms and complications :
If you have symptoms similar to those of infectious mononucleosis, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Laboratory tests may be needed to identify the pathogen responsible for the infection.
The doctor may suspect mono based on your signs and symptoms, how long they lasted, and a physical exam
The presence of the triad of clinical signs: fever, pharyngitis with large red tonsils covered with whitish membranes and large glands in the neck is characteristic of infectious mononucleosis.
Your doctor may also order blood tests developed to help diagnose mononucleosis:
Complete blood count: Your doctor will examine your white blood cells (lymphocytes), not only may the lymphocyte count be elevated, but the cells may also appear atypical ("atypical lymphocytes").
Heterophile Antibody Detection: Mononucleosis causes white blood cells to make an unusual type of antibody called a heterophile antibody. Among the tests used to measure these heterophile antibodies:
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Infectious mononucleosis is usually self-limiting, so only symptomatic treatments are used (there is no specific treatment).
Antibiotics are not effective against mono. It is caused by a virus. Antibiotics do not work against viruses
Most treatments aim to make the person more comfortable
If you suspect you have mononucleosis, it is important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
There is no vaccine to prevent mononucleosis. Stay away from people you know who have it (do not kiss or share drinks, food or personal items, such as toothbrush).
Avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 months and until your doctor finds that your spleen is no longer enlarged. Risk of rupture of the spleen.
The Epstein-Barr virus remains in your body in an inactive form. But most people only develop mono once.
Yes. However, EBV is more likely to be spread through other means, such as sharing drinks or kissing.
In general, it is not considered a serious illness. However, in rare cases, can lead to serious illness.
Most people begin to recover within 2 weeks, although some symptoms, such as fatigue, may take 3-4 weeks or longer to resolve.
Rash is not the most common symptom of IMD, however, it can be a sign of infection, especially if you have taken an antibiotic EX: Amoxicillin. The rash may consist of flat, pinkish-red spots on the skin. Some of these spots contain small, raised, pinkish-red lesions.
Children with mono are generally not recommended to go to school until their symptoms have improved and they feel better. Indeed, this infectious disease is very contagious and can spread through close contact with saliva, such as sharing utensils or drinks.
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