Infectious Mononucleosis

Question 1

What is Infectious Mononucleosis also known as?

Answer 1

Glandular fever

Question 2

Infectious Mononucleosis causes

Answer 2

EBV - 90%

Question 3

Infectious Mononucleosis - who does it affect

Answer 3

Adolescents and young adults

Question 4

Infectious Mononucleosis Presentation

Answer 4

Triad: 98% patients
Sore throat 
Pyrexia
Lymphadenopathy
Symptoms resolve 2-4 weeks
Other features: 
malaise, anorexia, headache, palatal petechiae, splenomegaly (50%), hepatisis (rise in ALT), lymphocytosis (5-%), haemolytic anaemia - secondary to agglutins IgM, maculopapular prutic rash - 99% px who take ampicillin/amoxicillin whilst they have infectious mononucleosis.

Question 5

Infectious Mononucleosis Diagnosis

Answer 5

Monospot test - heterophil antibody test

NICE guidelines suggest FBC and Monospot in the 2nd week of illness to confirm diagnosis.

Question 6

Infectious Mononucleosis Management

Answer 6

• Rest during early stages, drink plenty of fluid, avoid alcohol
• Simple analgesia for aches and pains
• avoid playing contact sports for 8 weeks after having glandular fever to reduce risk of splenic rupture.