Glandular Fever Flashcards
What causes glandular fever (infective mononucleosis)
Condition caused by infection with EBV. Found in saliva of infected individuals before illness begins and intermittently for remainder of patients life
What happens if a patient takes amoxicillin or cefalosporins while infected with mononucleosis
Intensely itchy maculopapular rash
Features of glandular fever
Fever, sore throat, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, tonsillar enlargement splenomegaly and in rare cases splenic rupture
What are heterophile antibodies in glandular fever
These are antibodies which are produced up to 6 weeks after infection with infective mononucleosis, but not everyone who has IM produces these
How to test specific EBV antibodies
These antibodies target the viral caspid antigen where IgM rises early to suggest acute infection and IgG persists after condition to suggest immunity
Management of glandular fever
Usually self limiting, acute illness lasting around 2-3 weeks, however patient can be fatigued for several months after infection is cleared. Advised to avoid alcohol and contact sports
Complications of infective mononucleosis
Splenic rupture, GN, haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, chronic fatigue, associated with certain cancers such as Burkitt’s lymphoma
