infectious diseases
Infectious Mononucleosis
Introduction
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, human herpesvirus type 4) and is characterized by fatigue, fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Fatigue may persist weeks or months. Severe complications, including airway obstruction, splenic rupture, and neurologic syndromes, occasionally occur. Diagnosis is clinical or with EBV serologic testing. Treatment is supportive. EBV is a herpesvirus that infects 50% of children before age 5 ( Reference ). Over 90% of adults are seropositive for EBV. Its host is humans. EBV infection is usually asymptomatic. (See Overview of Herpesvirus Infections .) 