What is the pathophysiological cause of infectious mononucleosis?
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, human herpesvirus type 4) and is characterized by fatigue, fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Fatigue may persist weeks or months. Severe complications, including airway obstruction, splenic rupture, and neurologic syndromes, occasionally occur.
What is the best treatment for infectious mononucleosis?
There’s no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don’t work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves taking care of yourself, such as getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
Is acyclovir effective against mono?
Medication Summary No effective antiviral therapy is available for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infectious mononucleosis in immunocompetent persons. Acyclovir and ganciclovir may reduce EBV shedding, but are ineffective clinically.
What is the epidemiology of infectious mononucleosis?
The incidence of infectious mononucleosis (IM) as a recognizable clinical syndrome due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is estimated at 45 per 100,000 patients.
What medication should always be avoided in patients with mononucleosis?
If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. Based on the severity of the symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend treatment of specific organ systems affected by infectious mononucleosis.
What is the clinical course of mononucleosis?
Fever, sore throat, fatigue, and tender lymph nodes are classic findings on history-taking in infected individuals with mononucleosis. The incubation period for mononucleosis is long averaging 3-6 weeks and most patients do not recall the exposure. The classical triad is fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy.
Can mono be treated with antiviral?
Acyclovir, which inhibits viral shedding from the oropharynx, is the only antiviral drug used to treat infectious mononucleosis in placebo-controlled clinical trials. However, the clinical course is not significantly affected in patients with uncomplicated infectious mononucleosis.
Is infectious mononucleosis curable?
There isn’t a vaccine or cure for mono. Antibiotics to fight bacterial infection and antiviral medications to kill other viruses don’t work against mono.
Can you be around someone with mono?
The virus that causes mono (Epstein-Barr virus) is spread through saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. However, mononucleosis isn’t as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.