Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) :: essays research papers

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is a double strand DNA virus indistinguishable from other members of the herpes virus group. It get its name from the mononuclear (single nucleus) cells. It is also known as the kissing disease, because the close frequent mode of transmission is intimate salivary contact. It can also be transmitted from sha rose-cheeked drinking and eating utensils, toothbrushes, etc. Mono is non likely to spread by aerosol (ex. sneezing) or fomites (ex. doorknobs). About half the population is not exposed to this virus until late adolescence. The peak incidence for girls is 14-16 and boys 16-18. subsequently initial contact with the virus, there is an incubation period of 4-6 weeks and then the symptoms start appearing. Symptoms include fever, sore throat and lymph adenopathy (swollen and tender lymph nodes). Mono may be called glandular fever as well because of the swelling in the lymph nodes. Fevers can get as high as 102 degrees Fahrenheit and may remain high for 3-4 weeks. separate symptoms include enlargement of the spleen and liver, fatigue, loss of appetite, periorbital edema (swelling of the tissue around the eyes), petechiae (tiny bruising like spots on the roof of mouth), and a fine rash. The fresh blood cell and liver enzyme counts are elevated, and anemia can occur with low platelet counts. Diagnosis is made based on the clinical house painting and the hematological features. A sample of the patients blood is mixed with sheeps blood and if the patient has mono, the sheeps blood cells allow for stick together. Antibodies to sheep or horse red blood cells are positive in 90% of cases.Mono is not a fatal disease, but there is no specific antiviral therapy. Doctors will most likely prescribe much rest. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are sometimes used to relieve aches and manage the fevers, but the use of aspirin is not recommended due to the link to Reyes syndrome. Corticosteroids are used to reduce the amount of tonsillar swelling and intravenous rehydration is necessary. Patients are cautioned to avoid contact sports for 6 weeks after recovery to avoid the risk of spleen separate. Most cases of mono resolve without complication, but some rarely occur. Complications are tonsillar enlargement, which can cause respiratory obstruction rupture of spleen encephalitis, an infection of the brain tissue Galen-Barer syndrome, a progressive and sequential worsening syndrome of weakness and paralysis hemolytic anemia, the red blood cells are unmake uvetis, an eye involvement myocarditis, an inflammation of heart muscle pneumonia hephritis, a kidney infection and Reyes syndrome a severe neurological syndrome.