Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
09:43

An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Published on: March 30, 2018

Diagnosis and treatment of infectious mononucleosis

R E Bailey1

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse.

American Family Physician
|March 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), affects young adults. Diagnosis relies on clinical signs, blood tests, and EBV antibody detection, with IgM to viral capsid antigen indicating acute infection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Infectious mononucleosis is a common illness primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
  • It predominantly affects individuals aged 15 to 35.
  • Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical symptoms, hematologic findings, and serologic tests.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic criteria for infectious mononucleosis.
  • To describe the clinical, hematologic, and serologic manifestations.
  • To highlight potential complications and treatment approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical assessment including fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy.
  • Hematologic analysis revealing lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes.
  • Serologic testing for heterophil antibodies (Monospot test) and EBV-specific antibodies (IgM to viral capsid antigen).

Main Results:

  • The classic triad of symptoms aids diagnosis.
  • Atypical lymphocytosis is a key hematologic marker.
  • Positive IgM antibody to EBV viral capsid antigen confirms acute EBV infection.

Conclusions:

  • Infectious mononucleosis is typically self-limited but can lead to severe complications.
  • Management focuses on symptomatic relief, with specific interventions for organ system involvement.
  • Splenic rupture is the most frequent life-threatening complication.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue07:38

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue

Published on: June 14, 2020

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis08:44

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

Published on: September 7, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
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...
Trichomoniasis01:18

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.