INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS Complexities of a common syndrome

Abstract

Infectious mononucleosis is common in adolescents and young adults. Although the syndrome is most often associated with Epstein-Barr virus, several other organisms can also cause infectious mononucleosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and the presence of heterophil antibodies and atypical lymphocytes. Diagnosis may be more difficult in older adults because the presenting symptoms often differ from those seen in children. Symptoms usually resolve in 2 to 3 weeks. Treatment of uncomplicated infectious mononucleosis is supportive, but corticosteroids may be beneficial for the treatment of several complications associated with Epstein-Barr virus. Physically active patients should be counseled about the risks of splenic injury.

Routine Epstein-Barr Virus Diagnostics from the Laboratory Perspective: Still Challenging after 35 Years

“…They typically result from polyclonal stimulation but are not exclusively found in patients with mononucleosis. They may coincide transiently with the time course for EBV-specific IgM antibodies (16). Heterophile antibodies can also be detected in patients with diseases other than IM, and the test results can remain positive for up to 6 to 12 months (33).…”

“…A variety of symptoms, such as upper respiratory tract infection, otitis media, abdominal complaints, hepatitis, enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes, tonsillitis and/or pharyngitis, and moderate to high fever are observed (31). In most cases primary EBV infection is accompanied by increases in liver enzyme levels and lymphocytosis, largely composed of atypical lymphocytes (mononuclear cells) in the peripheral blood (16). The clinical signs of IM are provoked by the massive immune response involving cytotoxic T lymphocytes directed against EBV-infected B cells (29).…”

Splenic rupture associated with thrombocytopenic purpura caused by infectious mononucleosis. Case report

“…The symptoms are well tolerated and have a low frequency of complications. Most cases have a benign course and patients should receive only symptomatic management and be warned of potential hematological, neurological, cardiac, respiratory, dermatological, renal, splenic, hepatic, immunological and gastrointestinal complications, which, in general, are very rare (11,12).…”

Optimization of surface plasmon resonance based biosensor for clinical diagnosis of the Epstein–Barr herpes virus disease

“…The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, 4 th type human herpevirus) is one of the most widespread and dangerous human viruses, named after the English virologist prof. Michael Anthony Epstein and his graduate student Yvonne Barr, who described the virus in 1964 [8]. A clinical form of initial EBV infection is the infectious mononucleosis that affects lymphatic and nervous systems [9]. The EBV facilitates development of chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders and cancer [10].…”