Highlights & Basics
- Infectious mononucleosis is characterized by the classic triad of fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy, along with atypical lymphocytosis. It is often subclinical in young children.
- Caused by infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in 80% to 90% of cases. Positive heterophile antibody test and serologic test for antibodies against EBV are usually diagnostic.
- Rare but potentially life-threatening complications include severe upper airway obstruction, splenic rupture, fulminant hepatitis, encephalitis, severe thrombocytopenia, and hemolytic anemia.
- Treatment is usually symptomatic.
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History & Exam
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Definition
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Etiology
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Citations
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Ganzel TM, Goldman JL, Padhya TA. Otolaryngologic clinical patterns in pediatric infectious mononucleosis. Am J Otolaryngol. 1996 Nov-Dec;17(6):397-400.[Abstract]
De Paor M, O'Brien K, Fahey T, et al. Antiviral agents for infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Dec 8;(12):CD011487.[Abstract][Full Text]
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