Infectious Mononucleosis
Overview of Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is an infectious disease caused by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). It is commonly known as “the kissing disease” because the virus is spread by saliva.
Infectious mononucleosis (متعدی /Mataddi) is an infectious disease caused by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). It is commonly known as “the kissing disease” because the virus is spread by saliva. It can also be spread by sharing food utensils. However, infectious mononucleosis is not contagious like other infectious diseases. Its symptoms vary from mild to severe. You may become unable to perform your daily activities for a couple of weeks. This condition is not serious but can cause complications if left untreated.
Occurrence of Infectious Mononucleosis
Usually, infectious mononucleosis affects all age groups but in children, it occurs after age 1. In young children, the symptoms are usually mild. If you have this infection once, then you’ll become immune to the virus for the rest of your life. It mostly affects high school and college students.
Signs and Symptoms of Infectious Mononucleosis
Some common signs and symptoms of mononucleosis are:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat, that doesn't get better after treatment with antibiotics
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits
- Soft, swollen spleen
- Swollen tonsils
The incubation period of the EBV virus is approximately 4-7 weeks. In young children, however, this period is shorter. Signs and symptoms such as a fever and sore throat usually go away after a couple of weeks, but weakness, inflamed lymph nodes and enlarged spleen may last for a longer period of time.
Types of Infectious Mononucleosis
Causes of Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBR). However, it can also be caused by other viruses. EBV is spread by:
- Saliva
- Body fluid such as blood
- Organ transplantation
- Sexual contact
- Cough or sneeze
Risk Factors of Infectious Mononucleosis
Common risk factors of Infectious Mononucleosis are:
- Nurses
- Young people (ages range 15-30)
- Medical interns
- Students
- Caregivers
- People with a weakened immune system
Health-Related Complications of Infectious Mononucleosis
Health-related complications of infectious mononucleosis are serious such as:
-
Enlarged Spleen
In people with infectious mononucleosis, the spleen is usually enlarged. In this condition, the spleen is inflamed and ruptured. It is a rare but life-threatening complication. You should seek immediate medical treatment because it may require surgery.
-
Liver Related Problems
You can also develop liver-related problems with infectious mononucleosis such as:
Some less common complications are:
- Anemia (decrease in RBCs and hemoglobin level)
- Thrombocytopenia (decrease in platelets, WBCs involved in blood clotting)
- Heart problems (inflammation of the heart muscles knowns as myocarditis)
- Nervous system problems (meningitis, encephalitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome)
- Swollen tonsils (block breathing)
Common risk factors of Infectious Mononucleosis are:
- Nurses
- Young people (ages range 15-30)
- Medical interns
- Students
- Caregivers
- People with a weakened immune system
Health-Related Complications of Infectious Mononucleosis
Health-related complications of infectious mononucleosis are serious such as:
-
Enlarged Spleen
In people with infectious mononucleosis, the spleen is usually enlarged. In this condition, the spleen is inflamed and ruptured. It is a rare but life-threatening complication. You should seek immediate medical treatment because it may require surgery.
-
Liver Related Problems
You can also develop liver-related problems with infectious mononucleosis such as:
Some less common complications are:
- Anemia (decrease in RBCs and hemoglobin level)
- Thrombocytopenia (decrease in platelets, WBCs involved in blood clotting)
- Heart problems (inflammation of the heart muscles knowns as myocarditis)
- Nervous system problems (meningitis, encephalitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome)
- Swollen tonsils (block breathing)
Prevention
Preventing infectious mononucleosis is difficult because people carry the virus even after recovery for the rest of their lives.
Diagnosis
-
Physical Examination
Your doctor will inquire about the signs and symptoms of mononucleosis. Physical examination is performed to look for signs and symptoms such as:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Tonsils
-
Blood Tests:
- White Blood Cell Count: A complete blood count (CBC) is performed to check the number of white blood cells (WBC) or abnormal-looking lymphocytes. These don’t confirm the infection but suggest infectious mononucleosis as a possibility.
- Antibody Tests: Monospot test/Heterophile test is an antibody test that is performed for the confirmation of infectious mononucleosis. In this test, specific proteins called heterophile antibodies are identified. These antibodies are produced in response to ESV by the immune system. The results for this test are obtained within a day. However, the antibodies can’t be detected in the first week of infection.
Treatment of Infectious Mononucleosis | When to Consult a Doctor
Treatment of infectious mononucleosis include:
-
Home Remedies
For infectious mononucleosis, there is no specific therapy. Antibiotics are not effective because it is a viral infection. You can treat infection by proper self-care.
- Take plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of water and fruit juices because liquids help to relieve fever and sore throat.
- Take OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) as per the doctor’s prescription.
- Gargle with saltwater multiple times a day to relieve a sore throat.
-
Medications for Secondary Infection
Sometimes bacterial infections accompany mononucleosis such as streptococcal infection of the sinus or tonsils. You can use antibiotics for these secondary infections as per the doctor’s prescription.
Infectious Mononucleosis Outlook
The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis rarely persist for more than 4 months. Mostly, people recover within 2-4 weeks.
EBV establishes a lifelong immunity against infection. In some rare cases, carrier people develop either Burkitt’s lymphoma or Nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
You should seek medical care as soon as possible if your symptoms don’t go away within 4-6 weeks. You need immediate treatment if you experience trouble breathing and swallowing. A well-known Pathologist can be approached via Healthwire.