Infectious Mono Flashcards
What is infectious mono (IM)?
Infection with EBV.
Spread of IM?
This virus is found in the saliva of infected individuals.
Infection may be spread by kissing or by sharing cups, toothbrushes and other equipment that transmits saliva.
What happens if a patient with IM takes amoxicillin or cefalosporins?
They will develop an itchy rash
Features of IM?
1) Fever
2) Sore throat
3) Fatigue
4) Lymphadenopathy
5) Tonsillar enlargement
6) Splenomegaly (in rare cases, splenic rupture)
Typical triad seen in IM?
1) fever
2) pharyngitis
3) lymphadenopathy
What group of viruses does EBV belong to?
HHV-4
Lymphadenopathy in IM vs tonsillitis?
IM –> anterior and posterior triangles of the neck
Tonsillitis –> typically only the upper anterior cervical chain
How can IM affect the liver?
can cause hepatitis - transient rise in ALT
FBC results in IM?
1) lymphocytosis
2) haemolytic anaemia (2ary to cold agglutins)
How long do symptoms typically take to resolve in IM?
2-4w
Investigations in IM?
1) FBC
2) Monospot test (heterophile antibody test) –> tests for EBV-specific antibodies
When is an FBC & monospot test recommended in IM?
In the 2nd week of illness
In IM, what antibodies are produced?
Heterophile antibodies
N.B. it can take up to 6 weeks for these antibodies to be produced.
What happens in the monospot test?
This introduces the patient’s blood to RBCs from horses.
Heterophile antibodies (if present) will react to the horse RBCs and give a positive result.
Mx of IM?
1) Rest during the early stages, drink plenty of fluid, avoid alcohol
2) Simple analgesia for any aches or pains
3) Avoid contact sport for 8 weeks due to risk of splenic rupture
