[Infectious mononucleosis--a "childhood disease" of great medical concern]

Ingo Stock1

  • 1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Parasitologie, Abteilung Pharmazeutische Mikrobiologie, Universität Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 168, 53115 Bonn. Ingo_Stock@web.de

Medizinische Monatsschrift Fur Pharmazeuten
|November 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is a common illness typically presenting with sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. While usually self-limiting, effective specific treatments or vaccines are currently unavailable.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • Infectious mononucleosis is a common illness primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a herpesvirus.
  • EBV is globally distributed, with over 90% of adults seropositive.
  • Transmission occurs mainly through saliva, but also via blood and droplets.

Purpose:

  • To describe the characteristics of infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus.
  • To outline the typical clinical manifestations, transmission routes, and epidemiology of EBV infection.
  • To highlight the current limitations in specific treatment and vaccination for infectious mononucleosis.

Summary:

  • Infectious mononucleosis is the most frequent clinical manifestation of primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, predominantly affecting adolescents and young adults.
  • Symptoms include sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, with potential complications like hepatitis and splenomegaly.
  • The disease is generally self-limiting, with symptomatic treatment being the primary approach due to the absence of specific therapies or vaccines.

Impact:

  • Provides a comprehensive overview of infectious mononucleosis for healthcare professionals and researchers.
  • Highlights the widespread prevalence of EBV and the need for further research into effective treatments.
  • Informs public health strategies regarding EBV prevention and management.

Related Concept Videos

Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
108
Disorders of Leukocytes01:27

Disorders of Leukocytes

Leukocyte disorders can lead to either leukopenia, characterized by an abnormally low leukocyte count, or leukocytosis, marked by a very high leukocyte number.
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune...
2.3K
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence01:28

Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence

Infectious diseases appear in populations through various transmission patterns, influenced by pathogen characteristics, population immunity, environmental conditions, and social behavior. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective public health surveillance and intervention. These categories—sporadic, outbreak, epidemic, pandemic, and endemic—help frame the nature and scope of disease events.Sporadic diseases occur irregularly and infrequently, without a predictable...
97
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
3.8K
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease...
88
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
4.0K