Infectious mononucleosis (Jelly Cyst Fever, Monocytic Sore Throat, Filatov-Pfeiffer Disease)

Infectious mononucleosis (MI) is a viral infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is characterized by blast transformation of lymphocytes, enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen and the appearance of specific mononuclear cells in the blood. The disease is also known as glandular fever, monocytic tonsillitis or Filatov-Pfeiffer disease.

The causative agent of mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus, which enters the body through the mucous membranes. Infection can occur through droplets of air, contact with infected saliva, and also through sexual contact. Various factors such as stress, fatigue, low immunity can contribute to the development of the disease.

The symptoms of mononucleosis are very varied. In mild cases of the disease, there may be disturbances in well-being due to rhinitis. Typical symptoms of mononucleosis include sore throat, difficulty in nasal breathing in the first days of the disease due to swelling of the mucous membrane, enlargement and tenderness of the posterior cervical lymph nodes, and enlargement of the spleen.

With mononucleosis, moderate or severe neutropenia and an increase in the percentage of lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils in the blood are observed. A necessary and sufficient sign of the disease for diagnosis is the presence of specific mononuclear cells in the blood (more than 10-20%). These cells have a large lymphocyte nucleus and a wide, basophilic, violet-tinged cytoplasm with pronounced perinuclear clearing.

The duration of mononucleosis is usually several weeks, but in some cases the normalization of the blood picture is delayed for months. Relapses of the disease are also observed - with a milder course, sometimes at intervals of several years after the first acute period.

Complications of mononucleosis can be serious, including splenic rupture due to rapid enlargement, acute hepatitis, agranulocytosis, autoimmune hemolysis, and encephalitis.

Treatment for mononucleosis is usually not required, since the main symptoms disappear after a few days and the blood count returns to normal. However, in case of a prolonged course or severe condition of the patient, prednisolone 20-30 mg per day or other glucocorticoids can be used. The prognosis for mononucleosis is usually favorable. Contagiousness is low, so isolation of the patient is not necessary.

Restoration of working capacity in a patient with mononucleosis is determined by the appearance of undoubted signs of a decrease in the size of the organ, as well as the normalization of body temperature and the disappearance of sore throat. If infectious mononucleosis manifests itself as hepatitis, hospitalization of the patient is necessary.

Thus, infectious mononucleosis is a serious viral disease, which is characterized by enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen and the appearance of specific mononuclear cells in the blood. It can occur with various symptoms and complications. Treatment is usually not required, but glucocorticoids may be used in some cases. The prognosis of the disease is usually favorable, but complications may require hospitalization of the patient.