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Sarah Vargas
Dr. Gallo
BIO 212 B
1 November 2013
Infectious mononucleosis
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a type of herpes that is responsible for infectious
mononucleosis, which is often referred to as “mono” or “the kissing disease”. Infectious
mononucleosis is a common illness that is often seen in teens and young adults that by the age of
forty 90% of adults have developed an immunity to. This kissing disease is transmittable through
saliva, mucous from the nose and throat, and sometimes tears. The Epstein-Barr virus has an
incubation period of four to seven weeks and has an unclear time frame of being contagious.
Some studies have found that mono can be still be transmitted even after the host stops showing
symptoms after many months.
In infectious mononucleosis, the Epstein-Barr virus replicates first in within the epithelial
cells of the found in the pharynx and later attacks the B cells. This then causes a reaction from
the T cells to counteract the invasion which results in abnormally enlarged lymph nodes in the
neck. Along with this reaction, other symptoms of mono are fever, swollen tonsils, weakness,
fatigue, and in some cases enlargement of the spleen. Activities of daily living are usually not
impaired by these symptoms after two to four months in most young adults. However, in a
minority of cases have been known to have lingering fatigue extending for two years.
Diagnosing mono requires a blood test and is confirmed by a serological test while the person is
showing signs of fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Treatment for infectious
mononucleosis is typically consists of getting plenty of rest or bed rest to prevent it from
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spreading, gargling with salt water or throat lozenges to soothe the throat, and taking
acetaminophen or ibuprofen to decrease fever and body aches. The infected patient will need to
steer clear of heavy lifting and any contact sports as a precaution for splenic rupture if it is
enlarged.