Infectious Mononucleosis: diagnosis and clinical interpretation

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Infectious mononucleosis (IM), caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), presents with fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy.
• Atypical IM presentations pose diagnostic challenges, often mimicking bacterial tonsillitis.
• Accurate laboratory diagnostics are crucial for timely and appropriate patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the etiology, clinical presentation, and laboratory findings of IM.
• To highlight the importance of distinguishing IM from bacterial infections.
• To promote research for a standardized diagnostic algorithm for IM.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review on EBV and IM.
• Analysis of clinical and laboratory diagnostic criteria for IM.
• Discussion of challenges in differentiating IM from bacterial pharyngitis.

Main Results:

• EBV is the sole cause of IM.
• Classic IM symptoms include fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy.
• Laboratory tests are key to differentiate viral IM from bacterial infections, guiding treatment and preventing unnecessary antibiotic use.

Conclusions:

• Timely and accurate laboratory results are essential for diagnosing IM, especially in atypical cases.
• Effective communication between clinicians and laboratories improves diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
• Further research is needed to establish a standard diagnostic algorithm for IM.