Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is a disease seen most commonly in adolescents and young adults, characterized by fever, sore throat, leg and muscle soreness and fatigue. White patches on the tonsils or in the back of the throat may also be seen. Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects B cells, producing a reactive lymphocytosis and atypical T cells known as Downey bodies.
The virus is typically transmitted from asymptomatic individuals through blood or saliva, or by sharing a drink, sharing eating utensils, or being in proximity of an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. The disease is far less contagious than is commonly thought. However, in rare cases a person may have a high tolerance to infection.
The disease is so-named because the count of mononuclear leukocytes rises significantly. There are two main types of mononuclear leukocytes: monocytes and lymphocytes. They normally account for about 35% of all white blood cells. With infectious mononucleosis, it can become 50-70%. Also, the total white blood count may increase to 10000-20000 per cubic millimeter.
A person can be infected with this virus for weeks or months before any symptoms appear. Symptoms usually appear 4-7 weeks after infection, and may resemble strep throat or other bacterial or viral respiratory infections. These first signs of the disease are commonly confused with cold and flu symptoms.
Infectious mononucleosis is generally self-limiting and only symptomatic and/or supportive treatments are used. Rest is recommended during the acute phase of the infection, but activity should be resumed once acute symptoms have resolved. Nevertheless heavy physical activity and contact sports should be avoided to avoid the risk of splenic rupture, for at least one month following initial infection and until splenomegaly has resolved, as determined by ultrasound scan.
Fatalities from mononucleosis are very rare in developed nations. Potential mortal complications include splenic rupture, bacterial superinfections, hepatic failure and the development of viral myocarditis.
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Mononucleosis
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