What is "infectious mononucleosis"

n. an acute disease characterized by fever and swollen lymph nodes and an abnormal increase of mononuclear leucocytes or monocytes in the bloodstream; not highly contagious; some believe it can be transmitted by kissing [syn: mononucleosis, mono, glandular fever, kissing disease]

Infectious mononucleosis (IM), also known as mono, or glandular fever, is an infection commonly caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Most people are infected by the virus as children, when the disease produces little or no symptoms. In young adults, the disease often results in fever, sore throat, large lymph nodes in the neck, and feeling tired. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, feeling tired may last for months. The liver or spleen may also become swollen. In less than one percent of cases splenic rupture may occur.

Infectious mononucleosis is usually caused by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, which is a member of the herpes virus family. A few other viruses may also cause the disease. It is primarily spread through saliva, but can rarely be spread through semen or blood. Spread may occur by objects such as drinking glasses or toothbrushes. Those who are infected can spread the disease weeks before symptoms develop. Mono is primarily diagnosed based on the symptoms and can be confirmed with blood tests for specific antibodies. Another typical finding is increased blood lymphocytes of which more than 10% are atypical. The monospot test is not very useful.

There is no vaccine for EBV. Prevention is by not sharing personal items or kissing those infected. Mono generally gets better on it own. Recommendations include drinking enough fluids, getting sufficient rest, and taking pain medications such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen.

Mono most commonly affects those between the ages of 15 to 24 years in the developed world. In the developing world, people are more often infected in early childhood when the symptoms are less. In those between 16 and 20 it is the cause of about about 8% of sore throats. About 45 per 100,000 people develop mono each year in the United States. Nearly 95% of people have been infected by the time they are adults. The disease occurs equally at all times of the year. Mononucleosis was first described in the 1920s and is colloquially known as "the kissing disease".