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Test for Glandular Fever

Glandular fever is an acute infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Glandular fever is more commonly known as infectious mononucleosis. A mono infection is quite common, as many people can catch the disease through the sharing of food utensils, by being sneezed or coughed upon by someone who is infected, or by the transmission of the virus through saliva. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, up to 50 percent of people with the Epstein-Barr virus can become infected with mono as a result. Testing for an infection requires a physical examination and blood testing before a diagnosis is confirmed.

  1. Physical Exam

    • Your physician will check you for signs of mono by looking at your lymph glands, liver, and spleen to see if they're swollen. Sore tonsils and the development of strep throat also are common indicators for the presence of mono. If you have white lesions in your throat, your physician will swipe your throat with a cotton swab. The swab culture will then be examined to confirm strep. If you do have strep, antibiotics will be prescribed to clear out the strep infection. Severe fatigue, body aches, headaches, and low-grade fever are also signs of a mono infection.

    Monospot Test

    • A monospot test is a procedure in which a small amount of blood is extracted and examined to determine if any heterophile antibodies are present. When your body is being attacked by the Epstein-Barr virus, your immune system responds by producing heterophile antibodies to help fight infections. The monospot test is capable of detecting these antibodies if a mono infection is present.

    Lymphocyte Count

    • Lymphocytes are also known as your white blood cells. When an infection is present in your body, white blood cells will begin to be produced in higher quantities as a means of helping ward off the infection. A blood test can determine if your white blood cell count is elevated. If any abnormality is detected, the presence of a mono infection will be considered.

    Getting Better

    • Having a mono infection can be debilitating at times due to chronic fatigue. Unfortunately, no antiviral drugs or vaccines are available to treat or prevent mono. One of the best forms of treatment you can undertake is plenty of bed rest. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may take up to three months before you fully recuperate from an infection. It is important not to jump back into strenuous activities prematurely, which can cause the recurrence of an infection.

    Prevention/Solution

    • It is important to take preventive measures in order to ensure that others don't become infected. Teach children the importance of covering their mouths when they cough. If they sneeze, tell them to turn their head away from people. Washing your hands is also important. Don't allow others to share your eating utensils and drinking glasses if you're infected. Don't kiss others on the mouth when you're infected.

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