Mononucleosis

Introduction

Infectious mononucleosis is a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mononucleosis is most common in adolescents and young adults, but it can also affect children. Mononucleosis occurs most often by sore throat, extreme fatigue and a feeling of weakness throughout the body. The degree of fatigue can vary greatly from person to person. Some people hardest hit are out of business for a few weeks.

Discussion

It is also called kissing disease, because most of the time, the virus is transmitted through saliva. However, the kisses are far from being involved and sick people usually do not know how they got the disease. Mononucleosis was named to the fact that the virus causes a proliferation of mononuclear white blood cells (lymphocytes, which have only one nucleus) in the blood (Ascherio, 2004).

Progression of the disease

After its introduction into the body, the virus proliferates first in the mouth. He then goes to the lymph and blood. It runs from 4 to 6 weeks between when the virus enters the body and the onset of symptoms: the incubation period. The acute symptoms last for 2 to 3 weeks. A state of fatigue, however, can persist for several months. Then, the virus remains "hidden" in the immune system without causing symptoms (Ascherio, 2000).

Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis

Extreme fatigue

Swelling and tenderness of glands in the neck and armpits

Some lymph nodes may swell in other parts of the body (groin, etc.)

Of fever up to 40.5 º C (105 º F) and often accompanied by chills.

Sore throat pronounced (ranging in the extreme, to the inability to swallow).

Of headaches

Loss of appetite

Sometimes, generalized muscle pain.

A rash may appear, usually after taking antibiotics.

An increase in the spleen is sometimes perceived by the doctor (by feeling the abdomen)

Fever and sore throat last 2 to 3 weeks, but fatigue can persist for several months

Cause

Mononucleosis is caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. This is an extremely common virus that spreads through saliva, but that does not always mean infection. It is even safe in most cases, and we "colonize" without even being noticed. Indeed, at the age of 5 years, 50% of individuals are infected with Epstein-Barr virus. At 40, the percentage is 90%. It can be detected in the blood of these people of antibodies against this virus. Once infected, the person retains the virus in his body all his life, without necessarily having any symptoms. However, in some cases, without knowing why, ...