|
|
Mononucleosis
Alternate Names : Epstein-Barr Viral Syndrome, Infectious Mononucleosis, Kissing Disease, Mono
DefinitionMononucleosis is a viral infection causing fevers, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck. It is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but can also be caused by other organisms such as the cytomegalovirus (CMV). Both viruses are members of the herpesvirus family.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Mononucleosis is often transmitted by saliva. While it is known as "the kissing disease," occuring most often in 15- to 17-year-olds, the infection may occur at any age.
Mono may begin slowly with fatigue, malaise, headache, and sore throat. The sore throat becomes progressively worse, often with enlarged tonsils covered with a whitish-yellow covering. The lymph nodes in the neck are frequently enlarged and painful.
A pink, measles-like rash can occur and is more likely if the patient is given ampicillin or amoxicillin for a throat infection. (Antibiotics should NOT be given without a positive strep test.) The symptoms of mono gradually subside on their own over a period of weeks to months.
Chronic EBV infection may be associated with some rarer types of cancer. In Africa, for example, EBV is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma. In organ transplant patients, it can cause post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD), a type of lymphoma.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Mastectomies on the Increase - May 16, 2008, 09:00
Trend coincides with increased use of MRI before surgeries, researchers report. | • | Blood Test Helps Docs Assess Breast Cancer Treatment - May 16, 2008, 09:00
New tool could allow physicians to determine much sooner if therapy is working. | • | Low Levels of Vitamin D Spell Trouble for Breast Cancer Patients - May 16, 2008, 09:00
Study found women with deficiency were more likely to suffer recurrence, die from disease. | • | New Guidelines Issued for Implanted Heart Devices - May 15, 2008, 16:00
Prevention is as important as intervention, specialists say. | • | CDC Recommends Shingles Vaccine for Those Over 60 - May 15, 2008, 14:00
ZOSTAVAX could prevent two thirds of shingles cases, expert says. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Mononucleosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Mononucleosis Symptoms & Signs
• Mononucleosis Prevention
• Mononucleosis Diagnosis & Tests
• Mononucleosis Treatment
• Mononucleosis Prognosis
• Mononucleosis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Bell's Palsy
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Hemolytic Anemia
• Hepatitis
• Hives
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Tests & Exams
• Aldolase
• Immunofluorescence
• Mononucleosis Spot Test
Other Topics
• Antigen
• Appetite - Decreased
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chest Pain
• Cough
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Hepatomegaly
• Jaundice - Yellow Skin
• Joint Pain
• Movement - Uncoordinated
• Muscle Aches
• Pulse - Bounding
• Rashes
• Seizures
• Sore Throat
• Splenomegaly
• Swollen Glands
• Vision - Light Sensitive
Review Date : 11/12/2003
Reviewed By : Steven Angelo, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
