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[Current aspects of infectious mononucleosis]
Abstract:
The authors discuss present aspects in infectious mononucleosis, with reference to the cases admitted to the Clinic of communicable Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, i.e. 115 cases during the 1954--1973 period (3 to 13 cases a year). In most cases the clinical symptomatology was mild and the laboratory tests typical not giving rise to any diagnostic difficulties. However, 28 cases (25%) presented jaundice, with positive hepatic tests, so that a differential diagnosis was established with viral hepatitis. In 9 cases nervous manifestations were reported: 4 encephalitis, 1 neuritis of the hypoglossal nerve, 2 facial paralysis, 2 benign serous meningitis cases, all of which fully recovered. The Paul Bunnel-Hăngănuţiu test was positive in titers of 1 : 40 -- 1 : 1280, in all the cases. Corticotherapy was applied with good results in 24 cases. All the cases ran a favourable course. On admission, 45% of the patients came with a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis; the others were admitted with a diagnosis of : diphteric angina, viral hepatitis, influenza, German measles, mups, typhoid fever, prolonged febrile syndrome.
Insights
Infectious mononucleosis cases showed mild symptoms, but some presented jaundice or neurological issues. The Paul Bunnel-Hăngănuţiu test confirmed diagnosis, and corticotherapy proved effective for most patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Presents a retrospective analysis of infectious mononucleosis cases admitted to the Clinic of Communicable Diseases in Cluj-Napoca between 1954 and 1973.
- Documents 115 cases, highlighting an annual incidence ranging from 3 to 13 cases.
Purpose:
- To describe the clinical spectrum and diagnostic challenges of infectious mononucleosis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of corticotherapy and the diagnostic utility of the Paul Bunnel-Hăngănuţiu test.
Summary:
- Most cases exhibited mild symptomatology and typical laboratory findings, posing no diagnostic difficulties.
- A significant percentage (25%) presented with jaundice, necessitating differential diagnosis from viral hepatitis.
- Neurological manifestations, including encephalitis and facial paralysis, occurred in 9 cases, all with complete recovery.
- The Paul Bunnel-Hăngănuţiu test was consistently positive, with titers ranging from 1:40 to 1:1280.
- Corticotherapy was administered to 24 patients with positive outcomes, and all cases resolved favorably.
Impact:
- Highlights the variability in infectious mononucleosis presentation, including hepatic and neurological involvement.
- Underscores the diagnostic value of the Paul Bunnel-Hăngănuţiu test in confirming infectious mononucleosis.
- Demonstrates the favorable prognosis and therapeutic effectiveness of corticotherapy in managing infectious mononucleosis complications.