Infectious mononucleosis (IM or mono for short) is a viral disease, brought on by infection of the Epstein-Barr virus (known as EBV). One of the possible symptoms that can show up is lymphadenopathy, but it need not appear in order for a case of IM to be present.
Symptoms
Over 90 percent of the adult population is estimated to have been exposed to the EBV. Most, though, had their exposure earlier in life, during childhood. When a child is infected with the EBV, it commonly produces no symptoms that go noticed, or only those similar to a flu. It may still lead to further symptoms later in life, however.
As for symptomatic infections, generally occurring in adulthood, there are some common signs. The person may undergo unintentional weight loss. A general feeling of being unwell may be experienced. A fever, sore throat, and exhaustion can also occur. Petechiae may appear; these are tiny red or purple spots on the skin caused by minor hemorrhaging. Pharyngitis -- that is, inflammation of the pharynx -- is another possible symptom of infectious mononucleosis.
Causes
As mentioned, infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is the reason for a case of mono. Saliva is the main way in which the condition is spread from one person to another. It is sometimes known as "kissing disease" which refers to this means of transmission. The incubation period is roughly four to seven weeks. After a symptomatic period of up to three weeks, then the person is still highly contagious for about six weeks afterward. One study noted that the infection may be spread as late as 18 months after symptoms have disappeared.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis may be made in more than one way, however, the method that is most common at the present time is the detection of 50 percent lymphocytes with a minimum of 10 percent atypical lymphocytes, along with noticing that the patient has pharynx inflammation, fever, and lymphadenopathy. A blood test is typically used for confirmation. There are many other medical conditions which have similar symptoms, and therefore a checking for differential diagnoses may be beneficial, to rule out the possibility that the condition being faced is actually one of those other ones (or, if it actually is, then to confirm that). Please keep in mind that mono is professionally diagnosed.
Treatment
Once a case of infectious mononucleosis has been discovered, then it may be possible for treatment to begin. Since the condition is typically self-limiting, many treatments aim at relieving symptoms rather than fighting the infection. Medications may be used. During the symptomatic phase, rest is recommended. However, even afterward, physical activity of a heavy nature is not to be resumed for a minimum of one month, possibly longer. This is due to the possibility of splenic rupture. Please talk with a doctor and do not use the information on this page in an attempt to select your own methods of treating a case of mono.
Read about other lymphadenopathy causes, or return to the home page for general details.
