Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) :: essays research papers

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is a double stranded DNA virus indistinguishable from other members of the herpes virus virus group. It get its name from the mononuclear (single nucleus) cells. It is also known as the kissing disease, because the most frequent mode of transmission is insinuate salivary gain. It fag end also be transmitted from sh ared tipsiness and eating utensils, toothbrushes, etc. Mono is not likely to spread by aerosol (ex. sneezing) or fomites (ex. doorknobs). About half the population is not undefendable to this virus until late adolescence. The peak incidence for girls is 14-16 and boys 16-18. After initial contact with the virus, in that location is an incubation period of 4-6 weeks and then the symptoms start appearing. Symptoms include febrility, painful throat and lymph adenopathy (swollen and tender lymph nodes). Mono may be called glandular fever as well because of the swelling in the lymph nodes. Fevers ca n get as high as 102 degrees Fahrenheit and may remain high for 3-4 weeks. separate symptoms include enlargement of the spleen and liver, fatigue, loss of appetite, periorbital edema (swelling of the tissue round the eyes), petechiae (tiny bruising like spots on the roof of mouth), and a first-rate rash. The white blood cell and liver enzyme counts are elevated, and anemia can occur with low platelet counts. Diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture and the hematological features. A sample of the patients blood is flux with sheeps blood and if the patient has mono, the sheeps blood cells will disturb together. Antibodies to sheep or horse red blood cells are positive in 90% of cases.Mono is not a fatal disease, but there is no specific antiviral therapy. Doctors will most likely regulate much rest. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are roughlytimes used to palliate aches and manage the fevers, but the use of aspirin is not recommended due to the think to Reyes syndrome. Cor ticosteroids are used to reduce the amount of tonsillar swelling and endovenous rehydration is necessary. Patients are cautioned to bend contact sports for 6 weeks after recovery to avoid the risk of spleen prisonbreak. Most cases of mono resolve without complication, but some rarely occur. Complications are tonsillar enlargement, which can cause respiratory obstruction rupture of spleen encephalitis, an infection of the brain tissue Galen-Barer syndrome, a progressive and accompanying worsening syndrome of weakness and paralysis hemolytic anemia, the red blood cells are destroyed uvetis, an eye involvement myocarditis, an inflammation of heart muscle pneumonia hephritis, a kidney infection and Reyes syndrome a severe neurological syndrome.