Rapid infectious mononucleosis test

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute disease caused by a virus of the herpes family: EBV (Epstein -Barr virus). Infection occurs through contact with patients with infectious mononucleosis. The virus is excreted mainly with saliva, hence another name for mononucleosis – kissing diseasew. Other routes of infection are blood contact or sexual contact.

After infection, EBV first enters the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat, where it multiplies in the epithelium, pously infecting B lymphocytes. Infected B cellsrk spread the infection among themselves and then to other parts of the lymphatic system (liver, spleen, lymph nodes). Cellular immunity, carried out by T lymphocytes, plays an important role in the treatment of the disease. A rapid and effective T-lymphocyteT response determines the production of antibodies against the virus and the maintenance of control for the rest of life.

In about 80% of cases,–primary infection occurs –asymptomatic (especiallylly in young children). Only a small percentage of infected individualsdevelop full-blown symptoms of the disease, initially resembling flu-like symptoms. Risk factors for severe mononucleosis include immunosuppressive (immune-suppressive) treatment or other immunodeficiency states.

After primary infection in patientswith normal immunity, the EBV virus remains dormant in the body for life. Approximately 90% of the population carries the virus in the form of a latent B-lymphocyteinfection. In patientsw with immune deficiencies, the B cells can begin to divide uncontrollably, and the virus can cause lymphoid proliferation.

Infectious mononucleosis – when to perform the test?

The test is designed for the rapid diagnosis of rs EBV infection-it reveals the presence or absence of antibodies to viral antigens. When interpreting the result, it is important to remember the limitations of the method and the possibility of a false-negative result.

Other features of mononucleosis in laboratory tests include: normal ESR, elevated CRP, leukocytosis (increased white blood cell count) up to 12tys thousand/μl with absolute lymphocytosis, elevated levels of enzymesw liver enzymes (aminotransferases AST, ALT), sometimes bilirubin (in liver involvement) and the presence of more than 10% atypical lymphocytesl in blood smear. The absence of blastw (immature forms of white blood cells) rs it with leukemia.

Infectious mononucleosis – who should get tested?

People who observe its characteristic symptoms in themselves:

• weakness
• ble muscular and articular pain
• loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
• fever
• throat choking, coughing
• bl of throat, difficulty swallowing (enlargement and white coating on tonsils on examination)
• masses in the left/right lower abdomen (enlargement of the spleen or liver on examination)
• enlarged lymph nodes, cervical, axillary, inguinal,
• spotty-pigmented rash (if the patient has been treated with antibiotics containing ampicillin and amoxicillin, especiallyl in primary suspicion of tonsillitis)

The first symptoms of mononucleosis appear about 30 days after infection. Infection at preschool age is most often associated with an asymptomatic course, before the age of 10 years-symptomatic; the most serious, full-blown infections are among adolescentsd and adults.

There is no need to consult a physician for advice

To consult a doctor for mononucleosis should be prompted especiallylly:

• persistence of symptomsw for a long time
• adenoiditisra that does not respond to prescribed antibiotic treatment
• prolonged fatigue
• massive enlargement of the spleen threatening to rupture it

Treatment of infectious mononucleosis is mainly symptomatic (antipyretics, vitamins, immune boosters), in more severe cases antibiotics and steroids are prescribed. Physical activity should be avoided during the recovery period. Chronic fatigue syndrome can persist long after symptomsve subsided.