About Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, also known as mono and infectious mononucleosis, is a common illness that most often affects adolescents and young adults. Since the virus is spread through saliva, it is popularly known as the kissing disease; however, it is also spread through sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils and drinking fountains.

Function

• Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus is part of the herpes family and is also known as Human herpesvirus 4. Many people who become infected with the Epstein-Barr virus never show symptoms, but 30 to 50 percent of the time Epstein-Barr virus develops into infectious mononucleosis.
  It is estimated that close to 95 percent of the adult population of the United States has been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus at some point. Once the virus is inside the body, it attacks the B cells and replicates inside them. Typically, it takes eight weeks from the time a person is infected to the time they start experiencing symptoms. The virus is then spread to others through saliva.

Effects

• Epstein-Barr virus leaves many effects. These symptoms typically include sore throat, fever, general tiredness, an enlarged spleen and red and purple spots called petechia. Rarely, symptoms may include trouble breathing, a ruptured spleen, an enlarged liver and jaundice. Very rarely, individuals with mononucleosis can develop an autoimmune disease called autoimmune hemolytic anemia, which causes the destruction of the red blood cells.

Identification

• Identifying a person who has mononucleosis typically begins with an evaluation of the individual's symptoms. If an individual does not display the characteristic symptoms of the illness, there is no reason for a physician to run the additional tests. If, based on the individual's symptoms, a physician suspects mono, blood tests are done to confirm the diagnosis. If the blood sample is found to have at least 50 percent of a white blood cell called a lymphocyte and at least 10 percent atypical lymphocytes, lymphocytes that have become enlarged, then the diagnosis is confirmed.

Prevention/Solution

• Mononucleosis goes away on its own after a few months without any medical treatment. Plenty of rest helps to speed the recovery time. During the first month of infection, individuals should avoid contact sports and vigorous physical activity because they could cause the enlarged spleen to rupture. Once the active infection is diminished and a physician has confirmed that the spleen has returned to its normal size, normal activities can be resumed. To reduce fever and pain from mono, individuals can use an over-the-counter pain medication.

Potential

• Currently, none of the prescription herpes treatments have been effective against the Epstein-Barr virus. One drug, called valacyclovir, has been found to help decrease the amount of virus found in an individual. While this does not cure mononucleosis, it does decrease an individual's symptoms.