Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral disease accompanied by damage to the pharynx, lymph nodes, spleen and liver. The causative agent of mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus. The source of the virus is a sick person or carrier; the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets. After an illness, strong immunity remains.

Infectious mononucleosis begins acutely: the temperature rises, headache, malaise, and sore throat are noted. The temperature rises to 39°C, the temperature curve is intermittent, the fever can last up to 1 month.

Lymph node involvement is the most common manifestation of mononucleosis. The lymph nodes behind the ear, cervical and occipital are the first to be involved in the pathological process. Less commonly, the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes are affected. They are affected on both sides, painful on palpation, not fused with the surrounding tissues, reaching 1-3 cm in diameter. Reverse development of the lymph nodes occurs by the 15-20th day of illness.

Very often, infectious mononucleosis is accompanied by a sore throat, and all the symptoms characteristic of a sore throat are revealed. On palpation, an enlargement of the liver and spleen is determined; the lower edge of the liver can protrude 2 cm below the costal arch. An increase in leukocytes and especially monocytes (10-70%) is detected in the blood, which is a characteristic sign of infectious mononucleosis.