Infectious Mononucleosis

Question 1

What is infectious mononucleosis?

Answer 1

glandular fever
caused by infection with Epstein Barr virus

Question 2

Where is the Epstein Barr virus found in infectious individuals?

Answer 2

saliva

Question 3

When are patients with glandular fever infectious?

Answer 3

weeks before illness and potentially throughout life

Question 4

Who is mostly affected by glandular fever?

Answer 4

teenagers

Question 5

What are the symptoms of glandular fever?

Answer 5

fever
sore throat
fatigue
lymphadenopathy
tonsillar enlargement

Question 6

How can you test for glandular fever and when is it most effective?

Answer 6

monospot test
Paul-bunnell test
- both test for heterophiles antibodies which are produced by epstein Barr, however they take up to 6 weeks to be produced so these tests are only used after 6 weeks

Question 7

What antibodies are present in glandular fever - acute infection? and after infection?

Answer 7

acute infection - IgM
after infection - IgG

Question 8

How is infectious mononucleosis managed?

Answer 8

self limiting, typically lasts 2-3 weeks
fatigue can last for months
avoid alcohol as virus impacts ability of liver to process alcohol
avoid contact sports due to risk of splenic rupture

Question 9

What are the potential complications of glandular fever?

Answer 9

splenic rupture
glomerulonephritis
haemolytic anaemia
thrombocytopenia
chronic fatigue
burkitt’s lymphoma