Mononucleosis (kissing disease or Pfeiffer’s disease) or glandular fever is an Epstein-Barr virus (Identified in 1968 – EBV), which is a type of herpes, and common infection seen during adolescence. Affecting the lymph nodes (Filters along the lymphatic system, which trap bacteria, viruses, cancer cells and other unwanted substances. Safely removed from the body), throat, salivary glands, liver, spleen (Becomes swollen or enlarged in about 50% of patients.), and cause a loss of appetite, fever (102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), fatigue (May last two months or longer), and chills. Approximately five percent of patients have a splotchy red rash over the body, similar appearance to rash of measles.
The virus is transmitted through the transfer of saliva commonly contagious by kissing. Also, virus can be spread by coughing or sneezing (mucus suspended in the air which can be inhaled by others), sharing a glass and food utensil, transfers infected saliva. The incubation period from the initial contact of the viral infection until appearance of any symptoms or feeling ill, between four and six weeks, although in children the period is shorter. Person infected by the virus should avoid or isolate themselves from contact with others, for at least a few weeks, preventing transmission.
Most people who get mononucleosis are between the ages of 10 and 25. Those younger than 10 years and older than 30 years are less likely to be exposed to this virus. More than 90 percent occur in males. Those having been exposed to the Epstein-Bar virus under the age of 35, likely have built up antibodies. They’re have developed an immunity from any future exposure of the virus. However, recovering from symptoms, the virus infection may still be found in the saliva up to eighteen months. During that time, caution should be taken to avoid spreading the virus. Mononucleosis is common among young adults, college students and active military personnel (11 to 48 cases per 1,000 persons). Fatalities are very rare, usually as a result of a spleen rupture. Symptoms of a ruptured spleen includes afflict in the left upper part of the abdomen (under the left chest), feeling of lightheaded, rapid and lickety-split heart beating, bleeding more easily than usual and having trouble breathing. Immediate medical attention is required.
The diagnosis of mononucleosis is confirmed by blood tests. Increase type of white blood cell (lymphocytes and monocytes) suggest the virus is present. (Normally account for about 35% of the white blood cells. With mononucleosis, it can become 50 – 70%. The total white blood count may increase to 10,000 – 20,000 per cubic millimeter.) Monospot and heterophile antibody tests confirm the diagnosis. Furthermore, blood chemistry test can reveal abnormalities in liver function.
Treatment for Epstein-Barr virus includes prescribed penicillin or erythromycin (Antibiotic eradicates the bacteria, and alternative for those allergic to penicillin). These medications treat strep throat, occasionally occurs with mononucleosis. Amoxicillin and Ampicillin not likely prescribe, since 90 percent of patients develop a rash. Pain relievers (analgesics) are taken to abet body aches, headaches, and fever. Severe swollen tonsils causing breathing obstruction, Cortisone medication occasionally prescribed, such as prednisone. Recommend avoid participating in any contact sports, which may cause trauma to an enlarged spleen.
Complications have been know to occur having mononucleosis. Most common is inflammation of the liver (hepatitis). Those that have a suppress immunity system (AIDS), may create some type of cancer in the pharynx and nose (nasopharyngeal lymppoma). Rarely Epstein-Barr virus has been associated with the development of at least one subtype of Hodgkins Disease (Cancer that starts in lymphatic tissue, includes lymph nodes found underneath the skin in the neck, underarm and groin.).
In December 2005, during the 45th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in Washington, DC, a presentation was made by researchers of the University of Minnesota, regarding survey of an antiviral drug, effective in treating infectious mononucleosis called valacyclovir. Previously during the 1980s and 1990s, valacyclovir failed to show clinical benefit, treating Epstein-Barr virus. The modern peer, the drug valacyclovir lowered or eliminated mononucleosis in subjects, who took it for two weeks. According to Henry Balfour, MD, professor of lab medicine and pathology and lead investigation of the study said “This research suggests that an antiviral drug can be used to treat mono and that it might limit person-to-person spread, a promising public health benefit for college campuses. ” The ten participants of the study that received the drug had significant decrease in virus found in their saliva and throat cells. In the tumble of 2006, a larger clinical trial will be undertaken. A group of volunteer students will be exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus. Those that develop symptoms will be administered the fresh antiviral drug. Safety use of the drug will be examined and documented. Previously in 2003, the Food and Drug Administration rejected approval of valacyclovir because of a lack of safety information for use in teenagers.
Acyclovir treats certain types of herpes infections: Helps the sores heal faster, relieve pain or discomfort, and prevent the infection from coming wait on. Also, provides treatment for viral infections including shingles and chickenpox.
