Mononucleosis
An acute herpesvirus infection caused by the Epstein-Barr (EBV) virus and characterized by sore throat, fever, swollen lymph glands, and bruising. Transmitted in saliva, young people are most often infected. In childhood the disease is often mild; the older the patient, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be. Infection confers permanent immunity.
Cause
The disease is usually transmitted by droplets of EB virus, but it is not highly contagious.
Symptoms
From four to six weeks after infection, classic mononucleosis begins gradually with symptoms of sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, and occasional bruising. Although the symptoms usually disappear after about a month, the virus remains dormant in the throat and blood for the rest of the child’s life. Periodically, the virus can reactivate and be found in saliva, although it does not usually cause symptoms.
Sometimes the disease can start abruptly with a high fever and severe, swollen throat similar to a strep throat. Rarely, about 10 percent of patients have a third type, which causes a low persistent fever, nausea and vomiting, and stomach problems.
About half of all mononucleosis patients have an enlarged spleen, and a few have an enlarged liver or mild jaundice. A rash also can be seen in some cases.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of fever, sore throat, and swollen glands are used to diagnose the disease. Blood tests and blood counts are needed for confirmation. The mono spot is a rapid antibody test that looks for a specific reaction in the blood of infected patients. However, it is not helpful in children under age three. Liver function tests may reveal abnormal liver function.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the disease other than symptom management. No antiviral or antibiotic drugs are available. Some doctors prescribe steroids to reduce the tonsil inflammation if a patient cannot swallow. Enforced bed rest may prevent injury to the swollen spleen. Painkillers and saline gargles may help the sore throat.
Complications
In addition to a swollen spleen or liver inflammation, heart problems or involvement of the central nervous system may occur. However, this disease is almost never fatal. If the spleen ruptures, immediate surgery and blood transfusions will be necessary.
About half the time, a patient will also have a strep throat, which requires antibiotic treatment. Occasionally, patients will have such intense swelling of the lymphatic system of the throat that they require hospitalization for intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. In some cases, Epstein Barr virus has been associated with Burkitts lymphoma.
Cause
The disease is usually transmitted by droplets of EB virus, but it is not highly contagious.
Symptoms
From four to six weeks after infection, classic mononucleosis begins gradually with symptoms of sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, and occasional bruising. Although the symptoms usually disappear after about a month, the virus remains dormant in the throat and blood for the rest of the child’s life. Periodically, the virus can reactivate and be found in saliva, although it does not usually cause symptoms.
Sometimes the disease can start abruptly with a high fever and severe, swollen throat similar to a strep throat. Rarely, about 10 percent of patients have a third type, which causes a low persistent fever, nausea and vomiting, and stomach problems.
About half of all mononucleosis patients have an enlarged spleen, and a few have an enlarged liver or mild jaundice. A rash also can be seen in some cases.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of fever, sore throat, and swollen glands are used to diagnose the disease. Blood tests and blood counts are needed for confirmation. The mono spot is a rapid antibody test that looks for a specific reaction in the blood of infected patients. However, it is not helpful in children under age three. Liver function tests may reveal abnormal liver function.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the disease other than symptom management. No antiviral or antibiotic drugs are available. Some doctors prescribe steroids to reduce the tonsil inflammation if a patient cannot swallow. Enforced bed rest may prevent injury to the swollen spleen. Painkillers and saline gargles may help the sore throat.
Complications
In addition to a swollen spleen or liver inflammation, heart problems or involvement of the central nervous system may occur. However, this disease is almost never fatal. If the spleen ruptures, immediate surgery and blood transfusions will be necessary.
About half the time, a patient will also have a strep throat, which requires antibiotic treatment. Occasionally, patients will have such intense swelling of the lymphatic system of the throat that they require hospitalization for intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. In some cases, Epstein Barr virus has been associated with Burkitts lymphoma.
Tags: acute herpesvirus infection, bruising, Epstein-Barr (EBV) virus, fever, Mononucleosis, sore throat, swollen lymph glands
Posted in Health and Wellness
