Infectious mononucleosis, or glandular fever, is a common viral infection affecting primarily adolescents and young adults. It is mainly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is spread by saliva, which is why mononucleosis fever is also commonly known as 'the kissing disease'.
A virus of the herpes family that causes mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever. It is also implicated in some other medical conditions.
The clear watery fluid secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, which aids chewing, swallowing and digestion.
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Most people will be exposed to Epstein-Barr virus at some point in their lives, many during childhood and adolescence.
A virus of the herpes family that causes mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever. It is also implicated in some other medical conditions.
The signs and symptoms develop around 4-6 weeks after infection and can include:
It is generally more symptomatic in adolescents and adults. Younger children can pass on the virus without experiencing any symptoms.
A large, internal organ of the body, located on the upper right-hand side of the abdomen. The liver has hundreds of distinct functions, including producing bile, regulating the body's metabolism and detoxifying the blood.
Inflammation of the pharynx, or 'a sore throat'.
An organ in the abdominal cavity that is involved in filtering out old blood cells and fighting infection.
The area where the abdomen joins the thighs.
Laboratory tests are not always necessary when clinical features are enough to support a diagnosis, but are sometimes recommended for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may order the following tests to confirm a diagnosis:
If the results of a full blood count include an elevated white blood cell count, with more than half being a type of white blood cell called a mononuclear lymphocyte (or T-cell lymphocyte), this can indicate mononucleosis.
Heterophile antibodies are produced in response to Epstein-Barr virus infection. However, the results can incorrectly be negative when tested early in the course of the disease. These results can also demonstrate an incorrectly positive result due to presence of other conditions such as HIV, leukemia, rubella or lupus. The infectious mononucleosis monospot test is a heterophile antibody test that is commonly performed if mononucleosis is suspected.
A blood sample can also be used to test for specific antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus. These antibodies comprise: immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and antibody to the Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (anti-EBNA). The varying levels of these antibodies can be used to assess if a person has a current or prior infection.
Blood and serum tests can be performed to confirm the presence of mononucleosis.
Liver function tests may be performed if there is concern about liver involvement. Up to 80% of people with mononucleosis will have abnormal liver function tests that will, in most cases, return to normal after the illness resolves and cause no long-term harm. [1]
A throat swab may be taken to rule out infection with streptococcal infection ('strep throat').
A virus of the herpes family that causes mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever. It is also implicated in some other medical conditions.
A blood test that examines the blood, either by using a microscope or an automated machine, to determine the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
The organs and cells involved in protecting the body against infection.
A large, internal organ of the body, located on the upper right-hand side of the abdomen. The liver has hundreds of distinct functions, including producing bile, regulating the body's metabolism and detoxifying the blood.
Cells of the immune system that participate in immune and inflammatory reactions.
A type of antibody produced by the body in response to an infection by bacteria, viruses or fungi, to protect the body in the future from the same infection.
Antibodies that can recognize and bind more than one foreign substance in the body.
A rapid blood test used to diagnose glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis, based on detection of two specific antibodies.
The largest type of antibody that is produced by white blood cells, and also the first antibody that is made in response to an infection.
A protein specific to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Antibodies to this protein are measured to identify a previous mononucleosis infection as they slowly appear 2-4 months after onset of symptoms and persist for the rest of a person's life. Also, the protein is present in all cancers caused by the EBV.
Sick and tired of being sick and tired: laboratory investigation of glandular fever. BPAC better medicine. Accessed 22 September 2014 from
There is no curative treatment for mononucleosis other than rest and maintaining proper hygiene. Unless you are have a weakened immune system, your body will clear the infection on its own and provide you with immunity that will help you to resist future infections.
The practice of health maintenance and the prevention of infection, disease and the spread of disease.
The body's ability to protect against an infection or toxin, generated by immunizations or exposure to previous infection.
Amoxicillin and ampicillin are antibiotics that are not used to treat infectious mononucleosis. If, however, you are prescribed these during mononucleosis, you will develop a rash similar to the one that presents in cases of measles.
Fatigue is the most common complication of mononucleosis and can persist in some cases for months after the initial symptoms resolve.
Fatigue is the most common complication of mononucleosis.
Blood complications of mononucleosis are quite common, but are usually mild. They include elevated white cell count, low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and anemia (low red cell count). Potentially serious (but unusual) complications of mononucleosis include hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia and a haemolytic-uraemic disorder. Red or purple spots on the skin (purpura) that do not lose their color when pressure is applied can occur due to changes in the blood.
Brain complications are rare, but are serious and include facial paralysis (facial nerve palsy), meningitis and inflammation of the spinal cord (transverse myelitis) or optic nerve (optic neuritis).
Although extremely rare, rupture of the spleen is life-threatening. The risk of splenic rupture is highest a few weeks into infection and this heightened risk can last for months.
Most people with mononucleosis will have mildly abnormal function of their liver, however, some may experience a more severe liver inflammation (hepatitis). Alcohol can worsen inflammation of the liver, so should be avoided.
If pharyngitis is severe, making the swallowing of fluids difficult, dehydration can result. This is usually worse during the presence of a fever. People with mononucleosis sometimes need admission to hospital for rehydration.
A deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body.
The state of insufficient hydration; excessive loss of water; requiring more water in order to function normally.
A state of exhaustion and weakness.
A large, internal organ of the body, located on the upper right-hand side of the abdomen. The liver has hundreds of distinct functions, including producing bile, regulating the body's metabolism and detoxifying the blood.
Inflammation of the pharynx, or 'a sore throat'.
A bundle of nerve tissue that runs from the brain through the spinal column and connects the brain to the body, transmitting sensory and motor signals.
An organ in the abdominal cavity that is involved in filtering out old blood cells and fighting infection.
A deficiency of all blood cell types caused by the failure of bone marrow to produce new blood cells.
A rare condition triggered by certain infections, medications or unknown factors, which causes the rapid destruction of red blood cells and subsequently life-threatening kidney failure.
The majority of people with mononucleosis recover within a couple of weeks. However, severe fatigue that can restrict your normal functioning can persist for up to six months. If you feel that your fatigue is debilitating, or extending beyond this time, you should speak to your doctor to rule out presence of other conditions.
A state of exhaustion and weakness.