Mononucleosis Virus

Mononucleosis is caused due to Epstein-Barr virus, which is named after the scientists who discovered it. Epstein-Barr virus is also called as mononucleosis virus. Mononucleosis virus is a member of herpes family and is the most common type of virus. Mononucleosis virus infects most of the people sometimes during their lives. Although this virus can affect anyone, the possibility of infection is more in the people between the ages of 10 to 35. Mononucleosis virus plays an important role in the emergence of Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the two rare forms of cancer.

Infants are at a risk of developing mononucleosis virus as soon as maternal protection present at birth disappears. When this virus infects children they usually doesn't cause any symptoms. When this virus infects teenagers it generally results in infectious mononucleosis. Mononucleosis isn't a serious condition but the mononucleosis virus remains in the body throughout the life.

The mononucleosis virus enters the lymph nodes and attacks the lymphocytes, a place where white blood cells are manufactured. These white blood cells when come in contact with the virus change their shape and multiply. These cells accumulate and cause infection. This results in infectious mononucleosis.

The mononucleosis virus is transmitted through saliva of the infected person. Therefore even kissing and sharing of drinking glasses, eating utensils, and toothbrushes of an infected person, may result in transmission of the virus. Due to this reason it is also referred to as "Kissing disease". The symptoms of mononucleosis virus are not visible earlier but they are visible as the condition progresses.

Symptoms of Mononucleosis Virus

Initial symptoms of mononucleosis virus may be mild and much similar to those of cold or flu. Some of the symptoms of mononucleosis virus that develop with the progression of disease include:

• Severe sore throat that can last for about 2 weeks or more
• Swollen glands in your neck
• Persistent fever that may reach 105 degrees F
• Malaise
• Fatigue

Along with the above symptoms some people may also experience pain while swallowing, eye pain, rash and liver infection. These symptoms are temporary and may resolve in 1 or 2 months but the virus remains in the cells of throat and blood for rest of the life.

Diagnosis of Mononucleosis Virus

The diagnosis of mononucleosis virus is done suggested on the basis of the symptoms of sore throat, fever, swollen lymph glands, and the age of the person. Laboratory blood tests are needed for confirmation. Blood tests may include an elevated white blood cell count, an increased percentage of certain white blood cells, and a positive reaction to a "mono spot" test.

Treatment of Mononucleosis Virus

There is no specific treatment required to treat infectious mononucleosis virus, other than treating its symptoms. Since these viruses do not respond to antibiotics, there are no antiviral drugs or vaccines available for the treatment of mononucleosis. Therefore doctors generally recommend bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids for the patients. In severe cases of swelling, some doctors may prescribe a 5-day course of steroids to reduce and control the swelling of the throat and tonsils.

Prevention of Mononucleosis Virus

Mononucleosis virus mainly spreads through saliva. The virus can be prevented from spreading, by not kissing infected person and not sharing the dishes or eating utensils of the infected person. Don't donate blood for atleast 6 months since there is a possibility of spreading the virus.

The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis caused due to mononucleosis virus generally last for four months. But if the symptoms last for more than six months it is frequently called chronic mononucleosis virus infection.