Recent advances on Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is an acute, self-limited lymphoproliferative disorder caused by EBV. The classic features consist of fever, malaise, easy fatigability, pharyngotonsillitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, subclinical hepatitis, and atypical lymphocytosis. Symptomatic IM occurs in older children and adolescents, whereas the subclinical IM is the rule in toddlers and young children. In general the prognosis is good, even in the more prolonged and serious cases. The laboratory diagnosis relies on the demonstration of heterophil antibody in the serum. Since there is no effective therapy, management is directed toward relief of symptoms and treatment of complications. No effective ways of prevention are at hand.