about infectious mononucleosis...?

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I have recently had contact with a person who had infectious mononucleosis. He recovered 2 months ago. Is there any possibility that even though it had passed for him that now, 2 moths later, i have caught the virus?
no
Infectious mononucleosis
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Infectious mononucleosis ICD-10 B27
ICD-9 075
Infectious mononucleosis (also known in North America as mono, the kissing disease or Pfeiffer's disease, and more commonly known as glandular fever in other English-speaking countries) is a disease seen most commonly in adolescents and young adults, characterized by fever, sore throat and fatigue. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is typically transmitted from asymptomatic individuals through saliva or blood, or by sharing a drinking glass, eating utensils, or needles. The disease is far less contagious than is commonly thought. Since the causative virus is also found in the mucus of the infected person, it can also spread through coughing or sneezing.

It is estimated that 90% to 95% of adults in the world have EBV-antibodies, having been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus at some point in their lives. The vast majority of infections do not result in the development of mononucleosis. The virus infects B cells (B-lymphocytes), producing a reactive lymphocytosis and the atypical T cells (T-lymphocytes). Early childhood infections often cause no symptoms. In developed countries with less crowded conditions and better hygiene, children do not commonly become infected until adolescence. Since they also typically begin dating at that age, the co-occurrence of mono and kissing have led to its being called the "kissing disease," although this is but one of its modes of transmission.

The disease is so-named because the count of mononuclear leukocytes (white blood cells with a one-lobed nucleus) rises significantly. There are two main types of mononuclear leukocytes: monocytes and lymphocytes. They normally account for about 35% of all white blood cells. With Mono, it can become 50-70% Also, the total white blood count increases 10000-20000 per cubic millimeter.

Contents [hide]
1 Epidemiology
2 Clinical presentation
3 Atypical presentations of mononucleosis/EBV infection
4 Laboratory tests
5 Treatment
6 Mortality/morbidity
6.1 Interactions with common drugs
7 External links



[edit]
Epidemiology
The incidence of clinically recognizable infectious mononucleosis caused by EBV is estimated at 45 per 100 000 in the US. In developing countries, an estimated 90% of children undergo an asymptomatic EBV-infection, and thus are not susceptible to infectious mononucleosis of EBV.

[edit]
Clinical presentation
A person can be infected with the virus for weeks or months before any symptoms appear. Symptoms usually appear 4-7 weeks after infection, and may resemble strep throat or other bacterial or viral respiratory infections. These first signs of the disease are commonly confused with cold and flu symptoms. The typical symptoms and signs of mononucleosis are:

Fever - this varies from mild to severe, but is seen in nearly all cases.
Enlarged and tender lymph nodes - particularly the posterior cervical lymph nodes, on both sides of the neck.
Sore throat - seen in nearly all patients with EBV-mononucleosis
Fatigue (sometimes extreme fatigue)
Some patients also display:

Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly, which may lead to rupture) or liver (hepatomegaly)
Abdominal pain
Aching muscles
Headache
Loss of appetite
Jaundice
Depression
Weakness
Skin rash
After an initial prodrome of 1-2 weeks, the fatigue of mono often lasts from 1-2 months. The virus can remain dormant in the B cells indefinitely after symptoms have disappeared, and resurface at a later date. Many people exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus do not show symptoms of the disease, but carry the virus and can transmit it to others. This is especially true in children, in whom infection seldom causes more than a very mild illness which often goes undiagnosed. This feature, along with mono's long incubation period, makes epidemiological control of the disease impractical. About 6% of people who have had mono will relapse.

Mononucleosis can cause the spleen to swell, which in rare cases may lead to a ruptured spleen. Rupture may occur without trauma, but impact to the spleen is usually a factor. Other complications include hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) causing jaundice, and anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells). In rare cases, death may result from severe hepatitis or splenic rupture.

Reports of splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) in infectious mononucleosis suggest variable prevalence rates of 25% to 75%. Among pediatric patients, a splenomegaly rate of 50% is expected,[1] with a rate of 60% reported in one case series.[2] Although splenic rupture is a rare complication of infectious mononucleosis, it is the basis of advice to avoid contact sports for 4-6 weeks after diagnosis.

Usually, the longer the infected person experiences the symptoms the more the infection weakens the person's immune system and the longer he/she will need to recover. Cyclical reactivation of the virus, although rare in healthy people, is often a sign of immunological abnormalities in the small subset of organic disease patients in which the virus is active or reactivated.

Although the great majority of cases of mononucleosis are caused by the E.B. virus, cytomegalovirus can produce a similar illness, usually with less throat pain. Due to the presence of the atypical lymphocytes on the blood smear in both conditions, most clinicians include both infections under the diagnosis of "mononucleosis." Symptoms similar to those of mononucleosis can be caused by adenovirus and the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii.

[edit]
Atypical presentations of mononucleosis/EBV infection
In small children, the course of the disease is frequently asymptomatic. The course of the disease can also be chronic. Some patients suffer fever, tiredness, lassitude (abnormal fatigue), depression, lethargy, and chronic lymph node swelling, for months or years. This variant of mononucleosis is often referred to as chronic EBV syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome. In case of a weakening of the immune system, a reactivation of the Epstein-Barr Virus is possible, though the course of the resultant disease is usually milder.

[edit]
Laboratory tests

Atypical lymphocyteThe laboratory hallmark of the disease is the presence of so-called atypical lymphocytes (a type of mononuclear cell, see image) on the peripheral blood smear. In addition, the overall white blood cell count is almost invariably increased, particularly the number of lymphocytes.

The mono spot tests for infectious mononucleosis by examining the patient's blood for so-called heterophile antibodies, which cause agglutination (sticking together) of non-human red blood cells. This screening test is non-specific. Confirmation of the exact etiology can be obtained through tests to detect antibodies to the causative viruses. The mono spot test may be negative in the first week, so negative tests are often repeated at a later date. Since the mono spot test is usually negative in children less than 6-8 years old, an EBV serology test should be done on them if mononucleosis is suspected.

An older test is the Paul Bunnell test, in which the patient's serum is mixed with sheep red blood cells. If EBV is present, antibodies will usually be present that cause the sheep's blood cells to agglutinate. This test has been replaced by the mono spot and more specific EBV and CMV antibody tests.

[edit]
Treatment
Because mononucleosis is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective, but a January 2006 study conducted at the University of Minnesota demonstrated that 3 grams a day of the antiviral Valtrex (acyclovir or valacyclovir) for two weeks (or longer) is effective in treating mono ([1]). Another antiviral, valganciclovir (Valcyte) which has a longer intracellular half-life, may be even more effective than Valtrex. Most doctors recommend generous amounts of bed rest, drinking a lot of fluids, and avoiding caffeine. Trying to be active to beat the fatigue may make it worse. The duration of symptoms may vary from weeks to months, with some cases lasting from six months to a year. Even after the initial symptoms are gone, there may still be a risk of rupturing the spleen. Athletes involved in contact sports should receive medical clearance before resuming full activity.

[edit]
Mortality/morbidity
Fatalities from mononucleosis are very rare in developed nations. Potential mortal complications include splenic rupture, bacterial superinfections, hepatic failure and the development of viral myocarditis.
Uncommon, nonfatal complications are rarely seen, but include various forms of CNS and hematological affection.
CNS: Meningitis, encephalitis, hemiplegia, Guillain-Barre syndrome and transverse myelitis. EBV infection has also been proposed as a risk factor for the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), but this has not been affirmed.
Hematologic: EBV can cause autoimmune hemolytic anemia (direct Coombs test is positive) and various cytopenias.
[edit]
Interactions with common drugs
Aspirin should be avoided, since its use in patients with mononucleosis can cause Reye's syndrome.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) should be used with caution, as it may worsen the hepatitis that often accompanies mononucleosis.
Ampicillin and amoxicillin should also be avoided, since they cause an allergic-like rash in 90% of mono patients. This rash may then be incorrectly diagnosed as an allergic reaction to penicillin.
In cases accompanied by severe throat pain, corticosteroids may be judiciously prescribed, although some studies have shown that such treatment may increase the risk of the EBV causing lymphomas in later years.  (+ info)

What is the scientific name for Mononucleosis?

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Every web site tells me something different.
Some say, "infectious mononucleosis",
others say "Epstein-Barr virus"
Which one is it?

Also, what disease does it cause?
I have to do a project but I'm confused because it says, "Name the Disease caused" but i can't find it.
I just know that it is caused by, Epstein-Barr virus.
Is that the answer?
Please help.
Thank you.
Mononucleous, IS a scientific name. And, Epstein-Barr are the main viruses that causes it.

One of best medical advice sites is the Mayo Clinic, I've given you a link to it.

It sometimes is called the "kissing disease" (not scientific) because it is most often spread by saliva in the mouth. (that has Epstein-Barr in it)

But, it could be spread by forks, spoons, door knobs, anything the hands touch, as our hands often pick up bacteria and virus infections in saliva in the mouth.

Luckily, it's not a serious disease, it can be cured, and that info is available too, below:  (+ info)

Do I have Mononucleosis, Infectious ( Glandular Fever or The Kissing disease)?

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the symptoms I have are:
tiredness and lack of energy
loss of appetite
A sore throat with swollen tonsils
Fever.
Severe fatigue.
Muscle pains.
Headache
I seem sweatier than normal even though i feel cold.
Swollen glands
and for two or three weeks before feeling ill i seemed tired all the time?
if its not Mononucleosis, Infectious any idea what it is?
by the way im in my mid teens
thanks for any help you can give me
x
http://www.medicinenet.com/infectious_mononucleosis/page2.htm  (+ info)

How to treat infectious mononucleosis after discharge from hospital?

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I am 19 years old and in January I was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis. I had abdominal discomfort around liver and spleen area, temperature maintained around 37,5 for about a week and so on. Then I spent 2 weeks in a hospital doing different tests and receiving treatment. My temperature stabilized and they let me go for home treatment. Basically at least a week at home without physical activities until I go for some extra blood tests.
The thing is that my spleen is increased to about 15 cm and I also have something with liver(without visual deformation) I suppose you can't just fix it and it must take time to recover. So what should I do except not doing doing excessive physical activities to improve my condition? I am mostly concerned about the spleen, cause I am really feelin that that it's increased. write if extra info needed!
any advice or tip would be greatly appreciated!
When I got out of hospital doctor didn't give me any extra safety percussions. I just have to stay at home and avoid excessive physical stuff. My spleen hasn't really gotten worse, maybe only my overall condition and blood tests have somewhat improved. I am just wondering maybe I need some special diet or something?
  (+ info)

Could positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) results show signs of Infectious mononucleosis?

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A fairly odd question, I imagine...but I wondered if anyone might know if ANA blood results with a 160 or higher range could be a sign of Infectious mononucleosis (Glandular Fever)?

Both my cousin and I, as well as my mum and sister, have been told many times in the past certain tests we've had done have shown signs of having been in contact with Infectious mononucleosis previously, but that's all we've been told. There were no GF centric tests done to prove yay or nay to that point.

Anyway, my cousin and I got to talking today about our ANA results (mine are 160, hers are much higher), and she asked the question of whether it could be glandular fever or not.

Might anyone be able to answer that for us?


Cheers, and thanks for all the help :)
Hi, the ANA test rarely helps in establishing a diagnosis. You may already know this, but i'll mention a few words on ANA.

Antinuclear antibodies are just that. They are antibodies directed against the nucleus of cells. However, these antibodies can be a problem if they are directed against the bodies own cells.

The thing about antinuclear antibodies is that they represent any type of antibody that attack's the cell nucleus. To say it another way, the ANA does not test for one specific antibody.

Thus, if antibody A binds to the nucleus in a specific pattern, and antibody B binds to the nuclear in a different pattern, they will both return a (+) result.

The return of an (+) ANA result by itself is not useful, as there are a whole host of disease that can produce a (+) ANA including lupus, rheumatoid arthitis, scleroderma, certain types of thyroid disease, certain types of liver/gallbladder disease, and even infectious mononucleosis.

In addition, a (+) ANA can be seen in normal people, and so, these results can be called as a "false positive". The 160 number you give refers to the amount that they have to dilute the reagent to still get a false positive result.

A false (+) result is likely when the titer is less than 1:80. A false (+) result is unlikely when the titer is greater than 1:320. Thus, your value is in an indeterminate range.

Now, regarding Mono, to be honest, I have never used an ANA to either confirm or exclude infectious mononucleosis. If there is suspicion for another autoimmune disease, I may order it, but for Mono, I would not order an ANA.

To diagnose Mono, the clinical syndrome is the most important "test". The patient should present with fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes in his/her neck. One confirming test would then include examination of the patient's blood on a slide to look for specific morphologic features of the patient's white blood cells.

Another confirming test would be the "Monospot" test. The other name for this is the hetophile antibody test. When a patient develops infectious mononucleosis, he/she will produce antibodies to combat the infection. It was discovered that some of these antibodies bind to unrelated agents. In the case of the Monospot test, these agents are sheep blood cells, horse blood cells, ox and even goat blood cells.

Thus, to answer your question, a (+) ANA may somehow be related to Mono, but it really is like saying, "is the fact that you are driving a nice car a sign that you went to a good college?"

They are weakly related, but the ANA is nonspecific, may be related to a number of other disease, and may even be normal. Finally there are better ways to establish Mono. There are even assays to detect the virus itself (epstein barr virus).

Hope I was able to answer your question with my long-winded ramblings!  (+ info)

what is more likely? jaundice in adenovirus or infectious mononucleosis?

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jaundice  (+ info)

what is infectious mononucleosis?

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is it lytic or lysogeniic
  (+ info)

how rare is it for your spleen to burst with infectious mononucleosis? and what are the most common causes?

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i keep reading about spleens bursting and crap and it scares the **** out of me. ive had mono for a little over a couple weeks now and my only symtoms are minor headaches and occasional minor discomfort in random parts of my body. i go and hang out with my friends cause my doc said it was alright too. as long as i dont do anything like run or excercise or lift heavy things. so ive just been hanging out with friends to relieve stress. so is it very common for spleens to burst or am i just freaking out about the thought of it? and also what were your expreriences with infectious mono? were you able to go and hang out after the first week and a half? its also not easy for me to sleep. but i get at least 8+ hours a night . usually more. lemme know what you know.
Okay, so your mono must not be a very serious case of it, i had mono in the 10th grade, and i SLEPT FOR 22 hours almost every day for 3 weeks.. i couldn't stay awake for ANYTHING, i had no desire to eat, i was out of school for 7 weeks, because it's HIGHLY contagious..i don't know why your doctor is letting you be around your friends, DO NOT drink after anyone, or share food, or kiss, or do ANYTHING were body fluids may be transfered from one person to the other. As far as your sleep bursting it won't just burst..lol you'll feel some discomfort first. My doctor told me to call IMMEDIATELY if i noticed my spleen or liver...Because normally you don't KNOW it's there...If you know its there, that means its swollen. which means you need to go to the doctor IMMEDIATELY!!!, But neway when i had mono, i slept constantly, i didn't eat, I had a "homebound" teacher for the 7 weeks i missed of school and i would fall asleep while she was talking to me...It was horrible. I would be on the phone with my boyfriend, in the middle of the day and just fall asleep randomly. I had no gag-reflexes, my throat was SOOoo swollen that i had problems getting food down. It was basically the worse 7 weeks of my life..Mono also affects your immune system, and for the next 2 or 3 years, EVERY time i got sick, i would get tired, and my throat would swell again. Did your doc tell you that once you get mono, you will ALWAYS test positive for mono, because it doesn't go anywhere, you still have it in your body..even after your better? Hope this helps.....OOOh and you need to rest..if you don't rest you won't feel better.  (+ info)

History of infectious mononucleosis (mono)?

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Where can I find the history of this? I can not find it anywhere. Someone please help me. Thanks.
I do not see the history of it on there.
The history of how this was discovered? well Dr's Sprunt and Evans first described infectious mononucleosis in the Johns Hopkins Medical Bulletin in 1920.
These authors described the clinical characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infectious mononucleosis, and, at the time, their paper was entitled "Mononuclear leukocytosis in reaction to acute infection (infectious mononucleosis)," because the causative organism, EBV, had yet to be described.
Since the 1800s, infectious mononucleosis has been recognized as a clinical syndrome consisting of fever, pharyngitis, and adenopathy. The term glandular fever was first used in 1889 by German physicians and was termed Drusenfieber. The association between infectious mononucleosis and EBV was described in the late 1960s.
Also cytomegalovirus can cause mono.
Sincerely,
Doc  (+ info)

Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)?

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I honestly think I have it because I made out with some girl today after school and I need to know if I have it?
What are the symptoms?
I feel like I have a fever. So help me please!
I'm not sure you'd feel symptoms from after school today, to now. Anyway......a simple blood sample taken by your Dr. can tell if you have Mono in less than five minutes. Symptoms are usually very, very tired, fever and generally not feeling good at all. I had it years ago and I was so sick.....I only weighed about 95 pounds, because of not eating well while I felt so bad. So tell your mom or dad and let them take you to the Dr. & be more selective about who you let put their tounge in your mouth.  (+ info)

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