Mononucleosis Health Dictionary

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Mononucleosis: From 3 Different Sources

Properly, infectious mononucleosis, a viral infection of the lymph pulp most frequently caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The spleen, lymph nodes, and (sometimes) the liver are involved. The general symptoms are fever, sore throat, exhaustion, and abnormal white blood cells.
Health Source: Herbal Medical
Author: Health Dictionary
An acute viral infection in which the patient developes a sore throat, swollen lymph glands and fever. Also known as glandular fever, infectious mononucleosis is caused by members of the herpes group of viruses – the EPSTEIN BARR VIRUS and CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV). The disease is more common among adolescents aged 15–17, an age when their immune defence mechanisms are not fully developed. In the UK many thousands of teenagers catch the disease every year, and kissing is believed to be the method of transmission among many of them. The blood contains many atypical lymphocytes (see LYMPHOCYTE) and the diagnosis is con?rmed with the heterophil antibodies test. Patients normally recover within six weeks without treatment, but they may feel tired and depressed for several months afterwards. Some cases of MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS (ME) and other chronic fatigue syndromes occur after infection with this virus.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. the condition in which the blood contains an abnormally high number of mononuclear leucocytes (*monocytes and *lymphocytes). See glandular fever.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Infectious Mononucleosis

See MONONUCLEOSIS.... infectious mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, Infectious

An acute viral infection characterized by a high temperature, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck.

Commonly called glandular fever, it is caused by the Epstein–Barr virus and is most common during adolescence or early adulthood. One common mode of transmission is thought to be kissing.

In the body, the virus multiplies in the lymphocytes (also called mononuclear cells), which develop an atypical appearance. The first symptoms are a fever and headache, followed by swollen lymph nodes and a severe sore throat. Rarely, enlargement of the tonsils may obstruct breathing. Mild inflammation of the liver may occur, leading to jaundice.

Diagnosis is often made from the symptoms and a blood test.

Recovery usually takes 4–6 weeks, with rest the only treatment needed.

In rare cases, corticosteroid drugs are given to reduce severe inflammation, particularly if breathing is obstructed.

For 2–3 months after recovery, patients often feel depressed, lack energy, and have daytime sleepiness.... mononucleosis, infectious


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