Mononucleosis
Encyclopedia
Mononucleosis is a disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus
(EBV). The EBV virus affects the lymphocytes- white blood cells that battle infections by attacking antibodies. Mononucleosis can also be caused by Cytomegalovirus
(CMV), a herpes virus most commonly found in body fluids. While CMV can cause Mononucleosis, 85% of the cases are associated with EBV. The disease can be found in anyone, but is most commonly contracted by adolescents and young adults ages 15-35.
The main symptoms of Mononucleosis include:
The most apparent effect of Mononucleosis on patients is the lack of energy in everyday life. It becomes difficult for patients to function at a high-speed routine, and they need more sleep than when they are healthy. Males and females are equally susceptible to the contraction of Mononucleosis; however, whites in the United States are thirty times more likely than African-Americans to become infected. Children may also become infected; however, the symptoms do not affect them as significantly and they recover more quickly from the illness.
. This includes kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing utensils, toothbrushes, drinks and lip gloss. Some evidence claims that EBV is also commonly transmitted through sexual intercourse. About 95% of the population has been exposed to this virus by the age of 40, but only 15-20% of teenagers and about 40% of adults exposed actually become infected.
is also associated with the herpes viruses. It is found in body fluids including saliva
, urine
, semen
, blood, tears, breast milk and vaginal fluids. A person becomes infected with this virus
by direct contact with infected body fluids. CMV is most commonly transmitted through kissing and sexual intercourse. It can also be transferred from an infected mother to her unborn child. This virus is often “silent” because the signs and symptoms cannot be felt by the person infected. However, it can cause life-threatening illness in infants, HIV
patients, transplant
recipients and those with weak immune systems. For those with weak immune systems, CMV can cause more serious illnesses such as pneumonia
and inflammations of the retina
, esophagus
, liver
, large intestine
and brain
. Approximately 90% of the human population has been infected with CMV by the time they reach adulthood, but most are unaware of the infection.Once a person becomes infected with CMV, the virus stays in their body fluids throughout his or her lifetime.
. This virus
is tested using the Monospot test
, which analyzes the production of heterophile antibodies by looking at a sample of the patient’s blood.An increased number of white blood cells or lymphocytes in the smear of blood can indicate the presence of Mononucleosis. The Monospot test
proves positive in 90% of adults with the virus, but many children will display false negatives.
Occasionally, the physician will take an EBV antibody test to determine the presence of EBV, but they are not necessary if symptoms of Mononucleosis are apparent and the Monospot test
is positive. There are no risks involved in this test, only the discomfort of having blood drawn. Methods of diagnosing EBV in children are still being developed.
caused by this virus. A blow to the abdomen
could rupture the spleen
, causing severe bleeding and can be life threatening.To relieve the sore throat, patients should drink water, non-citrus fruit juices, and eat bland foods. Acetaminophen has also been shown to help along with high fluid intake. Gargling salt water or mouthwash may also relieve pain. Often Mononucleosis is accompanied by the streptococcal infection (known as strep throat), which can be treated with antibiotics. Normal function should return after 4-6 weeks; however, it may take up to 2-3 months to fully recover energy levels.
The term may refer to:
Epstein-Barr virus
The Epstein–Barr virus , also called human herpesvirus 4 , is a virus of the herpes family and is one of the most common viruses in humans. It is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis...
(EBV). The EBV virus affects the lymphocytes- white blood cells that battle infections by attacking antibodies. Mononucleosis can also be caused by Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus is a viral genus of the viral group known as Herpesviridae or herpesviruses. It is typically abbreviated as CMV: The species that infects humans is commonly known as human CMV or human herpesvirus-5 , and is the most studied of all cytomegaloviruses...
(CMV), a herpes virus most commonly found in body fluids. While CMV can cause Mononucleosis, 85% of the cases are associated with EBV. The disease can be found in anyone, but is most commonly contracted by adolescents and young adults ages 15-35.
Symptoms
Mononucleosis is associated with fatigue that can last up to several months. Symptoms are not usually felt until 4-7 weeks after exposure to EBV. While the disease is rarely fatal, occasionally the disease stays in the blood cells, affecting the person for the rest of his or her life. In every case, the person excretes the disease intermittedly in saliva throughout their lives. In some cases, most commonly in teenage girls, the disease can lead to chronic fatigue. Research also shows that those infected with Mononucleosis are more susceptible to contracting Multiple Sclerosis.The main symptoms of Mononucleosis include:
- Sore throat and tonsils
- Swollen lymph glands (nodes) in the neck and less commonly, the armpits and groin area
- JaundiceJaundiceJaundice is a yellowish pigmentation of the skin, the conjunctival membranes over the sclerae , and other mucous membranes caused by hyperbilirubinemia . This hyperbilirubinemia subsequently causes increased levels of bilirubin in the extracellular fluid...
(yellow skin and eyes) - Fever and chills (point at which EBV is most contagious)
- Enlarged spleenSpleenThe spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrate animals with important roles in regard to red blood cells and the immune system. In humans, it is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood in case of hemorrhagic shock...
, causing abdomen pain - NauseaNauseaNausea , is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach with an involuntary urge to vomit. It often, but not always, precedes vomiting...
- Stomach Pain
- Headaches
- Muscle soreness/aching
- Chest Pain
- Coughing
- Skin rashes
- Loss of appetite and energy
The most apparent effect of Mononucleosis on patients is the lack of energy in everyday life. It becomes difficult for patients to function at a high-speed routine, and they need more sleep than when they are healthy. Males and females are equally susceptible to the contraction of Mononucleosis; however, whites in the United States are thirty times more likely than African-Americans to become infected. Children may also become infected; however, the symptoms do not affect them as significantly and they recover more quickly from the illness.
Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
EBV is a member of the Herpes family of the DNA viruses. This family is responsible for shingles, cold sores, and chicken pox. It is one of the most commonly found viruses and epidemics throughout the world. Contrary to common belief, EBV is not highly contagious. It can only be contracted through direct contact with an infected person’s salivaSaliva
Saliva , referred to in various contexts as spit, spittle, drivel, drool, or slobber, is the watery substance produced in the mouths of humans and most other animals. Saliva is a component of oral fluid. In mammals, saliva is produced in and secreted from the three pairs of major salivary glands,...
. This includes kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing utensils, toothbrushes, drinks and lip gloss. Some evidence claims that EBV is also commonly transmitted through sexual intercourse. About 95% of the population has been exposed to this virus by the age of 40, but only 15-20% of teenagers and about 40% of adults exposed actually become infected.
Cytamegalovirus (CMV)
CytomegalovirusCytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus is a viral genus of the viral group known as Herpesviridae or herpesviruses. It is typically abbreviated as CMV: The species that infects humans is commonly known as human CMV or human herpesvirus-5 , and is the most studied of all cytomegaloviruses...
is also associated with the herpes viruses. It is found in body fluids including saliva
Saliva
Saliva , referred to in various contexts as spit, spittle, drivel, drool, or slobber, is the watery substance produced in the mouths of humans and most other animals. Saliva is a component of oral fluid. In mammals, saliva is produced in and secreted from the three pairs of major salivary glands,...
, urine
Urine
Urine is a typically sterile liquid by-product of the body that is secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra. Cellular metabolism generates numerous by-products, many rich in nitrogen, that require elimination from the bloodstream...
, semen
Semen
Semen is an organic fluid, also known as seminal fluid, that may contain spermatozoa. It is secreted by the gonads and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals and can fertilize female ova...
, blood, tears, breast milk and vaginal fluids. A person becomes infected with this virus
Virus
A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
by direct contact with infected body fluids. CMV is most commonly transmitted through kissing and sexual intercourse. It can also be transferred from an infected mother to her unborn child. This virus is often “silent” because the signs and symptoms cannot be felt by the person infected. However, it can cause life-threatening illness in infants, HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
patients, transplant
Transplant
Transplant may refer to:*Transplants , an American band,** Transplants , self-titled album.*Transplanting a plant from one location to another*Organ transplant, moving an organ from one body to anotherTransplant may also be:...
recipients and those with weak immune systems. For those with weak immune systems, CMV can cause more serious illnesses such as pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung—especially affecting the microscopic air sacs —associated with fever, chest symptoms, and a lack of air space on a chest X-ray. Pneumonia is typically caused by an infection but there are a number of other causes...
and inflammations of the retina
Retina
The vertebrate retina is a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye. The optics of the eye create an image of the visual world on the retina, which serves much the same function as the film in a camera. Light striking the retina initiates a cascade of chemical and electrical...
, esophagus
Esophagus
The esophagus is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. During swallowing, food passes from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus and travels via peristalsis to the stomach...
, liver
Liver
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
, large intestine
Large intestine
The large intestine is the third-to-last part of the digestive system — — in vertebrate animals. Its function is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter, and then to pass useless waste material from the body...
and brain
Brain
The brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
. Approximately 90% of the human population has been infected with CMV by the time they reach adulthood, but most are unaware of the infection.Once a person becomes infected with CMV, the virus stays in their body fluids throughout his or her lifetime.
Diagnosis
Symptoms such as swollen glands in the neck, sore tonsils, exhaustion, and extended lack of energy are easily recognizable as symptoms of Mononucleosis. If these symptoms occur, the patient should go to a physician and be tested for a confirmation of the virusVirus
A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
. This virus
Virus
A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
is tested using the Monospot test
Monospot test
The test is sensitive for heterophile antibodies produced by the human immune system in response to EBV infection.The monospot test, a form of the heterophile antibody test, is a rapid test for infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein–Barr virus . Commercially-available test kits are 70-92%...
, which analyzes the production of heterophile antibodies by looking at a sample of the patient’s blood.An increased number of white blood cells or lymphocytes in the smear of blood can indicate the presence of Mononucleosis. The Monospot test
Monospot test
The test is sensitive for heterophile antibodies produced by the human immune system in response to EBV infection.The monospot test, a form of the heterophile antibody test, is a rapid test for infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein–Barr virus . Commercially-available test kits are 70-92%...
proves positive in 90% of adults with the virus, but many children will display false negatives.
Occasionally, the physician will take an EBV antibody test to determine the presence of EBV, but they are not necessary if symptoms of Mononucleosis are apparent and the Monospot test
Monospot test
The test is sensitive for heterophile antibodies produced by the human immune system in response to EBV infection.The monospot test, a form of the heterophile antibody test, is a rapid test for infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein–Barr virus . Commercially-available test kits are 70-92%...
is positive. There are no risks involved in this test, only the discomfort of having blood drawn. Methods of diagnosing EBV in children are still being developed.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment or therapy for Mononucleosis. Patients with serious cases are advised to rest in bed and refrain from activity for 1-2 weeks after symptoms appear. Patients with milder cases are simply advised to avoid strenuous activities and athletic events until symptoms decrease. They are also strongly advised to avoid contact sports to reduce the risk of rupturing the enlarged spleenSpleen
The spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrate animals with important roles in regard to red blood cells and the immune system. In humans, it is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood in case of hemorrhagic shock...
caused by this virus. A blow to the abdomen
Abdomen
In vertebrates such as mammals the abdomen constitutes the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis. The region enclosed by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity...
could rupture the spleen
Spleen
The spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrate animals with important roles in regard to red blood cells and the immune system. In humans, it is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood in case of hemorrhagic shock...
, causing severe bleeding and can be life threatening.To relieve the sore throat, patients should drink water, non-citrus fruit juices, and eat bland foods. Acetaminophen has also been shown to help along with high fluid intake. Gargling salt water or mouthwash may also relieve pain. Often Mononucleosis is accompanied by the streptococcal infection (known as strep throat), which can be treated with antibiotics. Normal function should return after 4-6 weeks; however, it may take up to 2-3 months to fully recover energy levels.
The term may refer to:
- EBV infectious mononucleosisInfectious mononucleosisInfectious mononucleosis is an infectious, widespread viral...
, known colloquially as the "kissing disease," caused by Epstein–Barr virus - CMV infectious mononucleosis, caused by cytomegalovirusCytomegalovirusCytomegalovirus is a viral genus of the viral group known as Herpesviridae or herpesviruses. It is typically abbreviated as CMV: The species that infects humans is commonly known as human CMV or human herpesvirus-5 , and is the most studied of all cytomegaloviruses...