3. Definition
1. composed of a double helix of DNA which contains about 172,000 base
pairs and 85 genes
2. surrounded by an envelope containing both lipids
3. surface projections of glycoproteins which are essential to infection of
the host cell
4. Definition
1. group of symptoms
usually caused by the
Epstein-Barr virus
2. typically occurs
in teenagers
10. Risk factors
• Anyone who regularly comes into close
contact with large numbers of people is at an
increased risk for mono
• people between the ages of 15 and 30
• School / College Students
• medical Staff
11. Diagnosis
• Most important diagnostic test is full history
and clinical examination
• Look for the classical tried ( fever – pharyngitis
– lymphadenopathy )
• Look for the other symptoms
12. Laboratory investigations
• 1- Mono spot test ( Hetrophile antibody test )
• heterophile antibodies react to antigens from
animal RBCs such as Sheep RBCs and horse RBCs
• This antibody produced by infected B cells
• This antibody is negative in the first week of the
infection and once the
• infected B cells clears
the test will be negative
13. Laboratory investigations
• 2- Anti- VCA Antibody
• Anti viral caspid antigene Antibodies
• Produced by the immune system
• Appears early in the course of the infection and persist
permanently
• 3- Anti EBNA Antibody
• Appears late after the infection
• If all Labs are negative and you still suspect
Mononucleosis infection then look for other causes ?
14. Other causes of infectious
mononucleosis
• CMV
• HIV
• Toxoplasmosis
• Human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6)
• Hepatitis
15.
16. Laboratory investigations
An Atypical Lymphocyte in a Patient with Infectious Mononucleosis (Wright–
Giemsa).
Reproduced from: Luzuriaga K, Sullivan JL. N Engl J Med 2010;362:1993-
2000
18. Treatment and management
• In most cases is supportive tratment only….
1. Rest
2. Hydrated
3. pain medications such as acetaminophen
Acyclovir ?
inhibits permissive EBV infection through inhibition of EBV
DNA-polymerase but has no effect on latent infection or
ability to cure the infection
19. Treatment and management
• Corticosteroids ?
• generally should not be used in uncomplicated
disease
• helpful for complications such as impending
airway obstruction, severe thrombocytopenia,
and hemolytic anemia