infectious mononucleosis
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Infectious mononucleosis is a common viral disease typically spread through saliva that causes symptoms like fever, sore throat, and fatigue. While it's usually not serious and resolves on its own, it can leave people feeling unwell for weeks and occasionally lead to complications, which is why recognizing and managing it properly matters.
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Research
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Infectious mononucleosis (IM, mono), also known as glandular fever, is an infection usually caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Most people are infected by the virus as children, when the disease produces few or no symptoms. In young adults, the disease often results in fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and fatigue. Most people recover in two to four weeks; however, fatigue may last months. The liver or spleen may also become swollen, and in less than one percent of cases splenic rupture may occur.
While usually caused by the Epstein–Barr virus, also known as human herpesvirus 4, which is a member of the herpesvirus family, a few other viruses and the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii may also cause the disease. It is primarily spread through saliva but can rarely be spread through semen or blood. Spread may occur by objects such as drinking glasses or toothbrushes, or through a cough or sneeze. Those who are infected can spread the disease weeks before symptoms develop. Mono is primarily diagnosed based on the symptoms and can be confirmed with blood tests for specific antibodies. Another typical finding is increased blood lymphocytes of which more than 10% are reactive. The monospot test is not recommended for general use due to poor accuracy.