Infectious Mononucleosis

Infectious Mononucleosis also known as the triad of fever, tonsillar pharyngitis (sore throat), and lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes)

Cause

Acute illness due to epstein barr virus (EBV), usually occurring in young adults and adolescents

Symptoms

Symptoms include fever, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), palatal petechiae (red spots in the mouth) rash, URI (fatigue, sore throat, cough, sneeze, headache), decreased appetite, and subclinical hepatitis.

Complications

Complications may include splenic rupture and airway obstruction

Diagnosis

Labs in someone with infectious mononucleosis may indicate elevated white blood cell count, atypical lymphocytes, elevated liver function. CBC should be done along with a heterophile test (monospot test). EBV-specific antibodies can also be tested for a more definitive test

Treatment

The treatment is based on symptoms. Pain relievers or anti-inflammatories may be helpful for symptoms if impending airway obstruction→ er and steroids avoid contact sports for 4 weeks after symptom onset

Prevention

If diagnoses you should avoid person to person contact, sexual contact or breastfeeding to prevent spread. Kissing is the most common route of spread in the adolescent and young adult population