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Updated: May 17, 2026

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
Published on: September 7, 2022
Profile of EBV associated infectious mononucleosis
Abstract:
During a 5 year period, 33 children (22 males) were diagnosed to have infectious mononucleosis (M:F::2:1; age 9 mo-15 y). The common clinical features observed were fever (100%), lymphadenopathy (84%) hepatosplenomegaly (81%), tonsillar enlargement (45%), neck swelling (30%), upper respiratory symptoms (21%), epitrochlear node enlargement (20%), vomiting and diarrhea (1%). Ten children had complications; upper airway obstruction and hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis occurred in four each and septic shock in two. EBV associated infectious mononucleosis in hospitalized children was found to affect mainly preschool children and had a favorable prognosis.
Insights
Infectious mononucleosis, primarily caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), commonly affects preschool children. Hospitalized children with this condition typically experience fever and enlarged lymph nodes, with a generally favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common viral illness, often caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
- This study examines the clinical features, complications, and prognosis of IM in hospitalized children over a five-year period.
Discussion:
- Fever, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly are hallmark clinical manifestations of IM in pediatric patients.
- While generally benign, IM can lead to severe complications such as upper airway obstruction, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and septic shock in a subset of children.
Key Insights:
- EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis predominantly affects preschool-aged children requiring hospitalization.
- The study identified key clinical features including fever, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly in the pediatric cohort.
- Complications were observed in 10 children, highlighting the potential for severe outcomes.
Outlook:
- Further research could explore long-term outcomes and specific risk factors for complications in pediatric IM.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of IM is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in children.
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