Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis
A specific viral infection (with the Epstein-Barr virus) in which there is an increase of white blood cells that are mononuclear (with a single nucleus) "Mono" and "kissing disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). By the time most people reach adulthood, an antibody against EBV can be detected in their blood meaning they have been infected with EBV. The illness is less severe in young children. The infection can be spread by saliva. The incubation period for "mono" is 4 to 8 weeks. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. "Mono" can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) and spleen enlargement. Vigorous

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infectious mononucleosis n an acute infectious disease associated with Epstein-Barr virus and characterized by fever, swelling of lymph nodes, and lymphocytosis called also glandular fever, kissing disease, mono

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a common, acute, usually self-limited infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, characterized by fever, membranous pharyngitis, lymph node and splenic enlargement, lymphocyte proliferation, and atypical lymphocytes; it gives rise to various immune reactions, such as development of transient heterophile antibodies and persistent Epstein-Barr virus antibodies. Potential complications include hepatitis and encephalomeningitis. It affects primarily adolescents and young adults, being spread by saliva transfer and possibly other modes; in children the infection is largely subclinical. Called also glandular fever and kissing disease.

Severe pharyngotonsillitis, with uvular erythema and edema, in infectious mononucleosis.


Medical dictionary. 2011.

Look at other dictionaries:

  • infectious mononucleosis — n. an acute disease, esp. of young people, characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and abnormalities of the lymphocytes: it is caused by the Epstein Barr virus …   English World dictionary

  • Infectious mononucleosis — This article is about mononucleosis caused by Epstein–Barr virus. For mononucleosis caused by cytomegalovirus, see Cytomegalovirus. EBV infectious mononucleosis Classification and external resources Infectious mono, peripheral smear, high power… …   Wikipedia

  • infectious mononucleosis — infectious disease which causes prolonged weakness …   English contemporary dictionary

  • infectious mononucleosis — Pathol. an acute, infectious form of mononucleosis associated with Epstein Barr virus, characterized by sudden fever and a benign swelling of lymph nodes. Also called glandular fever. [1915 20] * * * …   Universalium

  • infectious mononucleosis — infec′tious mononucleo′sis n. pat an acute infectious form of mononucleosis associated with Epstein Barr virus and characterized by sudden fever and a benign swelling of lymph nodes • Etymology: 1915–20 …   From formal English to slang

  • infectious mononucleosis — noun an acute disease characterized by fever and swollen lymph nodes and an abnormal increase of mononuclear leucocytes or monocytes in the bloodstream; not highly contagious; some believe it can be transmitted by kissing • Syn: ↑mononucleosis,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • infectious mononucleosis — noun Date: 1920 an acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein Barr virus and characterized by fever, swelling of lymph nodes, and lymphocytosis …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • infectious mononucleosis — (mono; mon o nu kle o sis) An acute, self limited infectious disease of the lymphatic system caused by the Epstein Barr virus and characterized by fever, sore throat, lymph node and spleen swelling, and the proliferation of monocytes and abnormal …   Dictionary of microbiology

  • infectious mononucleosis — See glandular fever …   Dictionary of molecular biology

  • infectious mononucleosis — see glandular fever …   The new mediacal dictionary

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