Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is an infectious disease primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (human herpesvirus type 4) and typically resolves on its own within two to three weeks.

Since it spreads through direct contact with the saliva of an infected person, it is commonly known as the "kissing disease." Transmission occurs not only through kissing but also by sharing objects contaminated with saliva (toothbrushes, glasses, utensils) or through coughing and sneezing.

Teenagers and young adults are more likely to contract mononucleosis and exhibit all its symptoms, particularly fever and pharyngitis, whereas children are often asymptomatic and go undiagnosed.

The incubation period for mononucleosis ranges from two to four weeks, sometimes even up to 50 days. During this time, there are no symptoms, but the disease can still be transmitted. Once infected, patients carry the mononucleosis virus for life. Generally, the virus remains dormant, but it can become active in saliva and spread the disease even without causing symptoms.

Symptoms

Although symptoms can sometimes appear suddenly, most patients experience general malaise, abdominal pain, or fatigue before developing the characteristic signs of mononucleosis:

• High fever.
• Fatigue.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the cervical region or the back of the head (occipital nodes).
• Pharyngitis: inflammation of the pharynx.
• Tonsillitis: inflammation of the tonsils.
• Splenomegaly: enlargement of the spleen.
• Rash.
• Headache.

Causes

The primary cause of mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus. However, it can also be caused by Cytomegalovirus or the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

H2: Risk Factors

The risk of developing mononucleosis increases in the following cases:

• Being between 4 and 12 years old, as the incidence is higher in this age range.
• Having close contact with an infected person.
• Having had the disease previously.

Complications

Mononucleosis is usually not severe, but some of its complications can be. The most notable include:

• Spleen rupture due to excessive enlargement, causing sharp pain.
• Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver.
• Jaundice: yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin.
• Anemia: a deficiency of red blood cells.
• Thrombocytopenia: a decrease in blood platelets.
• Meningitis: inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
• Encephalitis: inflammation of the brain.
• Pneumonia.

Prevention

Preventing mononucleosis transmission is difficult due to its long asymptomatic incubation period and the possibility of spreading the virus months or even years after having had the disease. The general recommendation is to avoid sharing utensils that come into contact with saliva and to practice frequent handwashing.

Which doctor treats mononucleosis?

Pediatricians, general practitioners, and infectious disease specialists are responsible for diagnosing and treating mononucleosis.